1991 Benetton B191

Benetton Formula Ltd. was owned by the Benetton family who operated a worldwide chain of clothing stores that operated under the Benetton name. They
competed as a Formula One constructor from 1986 to 2001, and in 2000, they were acquired by Renault, and its name was changed accordingly in 2002. During their F1 career, Benetton competed in 260 races with 27 victories and 102 podium finishes. They won the Constructors'
Championship in 1995 and the Drivers' Championship in 1994 and 1995.'

1987
When the Haas Lola team closed its operation at the end of the 1986 season, Benetton took over its factory supply of turbocharged Ford engines. The turbocharged Ford B187 experienced growing pains during the early start of the 1987 season, but when the issues were resolved, it became a consistent podium finisher. With 28 points at the end of the season, Benetton placed a respectable 5th in the championship.

1988
Several significant changes were made for the 1988 season - the first being the replacement of driver Teo Fabi with Alessandro Nannini. The turbocharger was dropped in favor of natural aspiration, as Ford hoped to properly prepare for the upcoming ban on turbocharged engines. Throughout the season, the B188 claimed seven podium finishes, and the team finished the season 3rd in the championship with 39 points.

1989
Thierry Boutsen left Benetton after the 1988 season and joined Williams; his seat was filled by rookie Johnny Herbert. With the new B189 still in development, the team raced the previous year's B188, which still proved competitive. When Johnny Herbert broke his leg in a Formula 3000 race, he was replaced by rookie and McLaren test driver Emanuele Pirro. At the conclusion of the season, the team had earned 39 points (including a victory at the Japanese Grand Prix after Ayrton Senna was disqualified) and finished the season 4th in the championship.

1990
The success of the Benetton team failed to reach expectations, and after the 1989 season, the team management was fired, and businessman Flavio Briatore was appointed team manager. Changes to the driver lineup included Pirro being replaced by three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, and designer Rory Byrne was joined by John Barnard. The B189 was once again called into service before the B190 was ready by the third race of the season. Everything came together for the Benetton team and they would finish the season with two victories (by Piquet) and six other podium finishes. With 71 points, the team finished 3rd in the championship.

The 1991 Benetton B191
When Byrne left the team to assist Reynard, Barnard began work on a new design for the 1991 season. He was aided by designer Mike Coughlan, and together they focused on improving the vehicle's aerodynamics. Like Tyrrell had done with its 019, the nose section of the B191 was raised, but it differed in regards to the wing section, with the B191 gaining a full-width wing held in place by thin (slightly curved) vertical pylons (the Tyrrell's design used inverted-V shaped pylons).

The carbon-fiber composite monocoque was suspended by double wishbones with push-rod actuated springs, and the Series V Ford Cosworth HB V8 engine served as a fully stressed unit. The all-aluminum engine displaced nearly 3.5 liters and was paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.

At the start of the season, Brazilians Roberto Moreno and Nelson Piquet were tasked with piloting the B191 at the European season's opener at the San Marino Grand Prix. The team would have to wait until the third race (the Canadian Grand Prix) before the B191 earned its first victory (Piquet). This would be the only victory during the season not achieved by either Williams and McLaren. A young driver named Michael Schumacher replaced Moreno mid-way through the season, and he would quickly display his talents by earning points in his first three races. At the conclusion of the season, Benetton was fourth in the Constructors' World Championship.

The 1991 Benetton B191B
In modified form, the B191B competed in the first three races of the 1992 World Championship. Martin Brundle took over the driving duties of Piquet who had retired at the close of the 1991 season. He had little success with the B191B during the three races, retiring early from each race. Schumacher had better luck and scored points for the team, including a pair of podium finishes at the Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix.

For the fourth race, the team switched to the B192.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2024