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PROFILE
The
Benetton team was formed in 1986, following the purchase
of the British Toleman team. Their first win came in
the same season, with Gerhard Berger winning in Mexico.
In 1988, the team secured 3rd place in the constructors'
championship, and this was a sign of things to come.
Flavio Briatore was brought in from the company's clothing
division, and quickly forged important links in F1.
His greatest acheivement was snatching Michael Schumacher
from Jordan after only 1 race in 1991. The German gave
the team the drivers' championship in 1994, and won
both titles for the team in 1995. Following the German's
exit from the team to Ferrari, however, the fortunes
of the Italian team have suffered. The pairing of Gerhard
Berger and Jean Alesi was fairly unsuccessful, and in
1998, new drivers Giancarlo Fisichella, again from Jordan,
and Alexander Wurz, were brought in.
Although these drivers were impressive, the car was
not, and in 1999, the Benettons were fighting with the
Arrows and Minardis at the back of the grid. The 2000
season brought better luck for the team, taking 4th
place in the constructors' championship, and with Jenson
Button coming in on loan from Williams, 2006 looks set
to be a more successful year.
Added to Jenson Button's arrival, is the return of Renault,
one of the best engines of recent years. In 2000, the
French company announced that it had bought Benetton,
and would rebadge the team in 2002. The 2006 season
will see the team retain the name, but use Renault engines.
The rise back to the top has started.
WEB
SITE
http://www.benettonf1.com
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