2001 marked the end of an era. As Benetton would leave the Formula One. Their engine supplier Renault decided to buy the team and bring Renault back in the Formula One as a team. The Benetton B201 would score one last podium at the Belgium circuit, as the car struggled a lot with the engine. During after season testing the Benetton B201 appeared on the track only this time in
1994 was supposed to be the year JJ Lehto became one of F1’s top drivers, but the season ended his Grand Prix career. How did such a golden opportunity turn into a poisoned chalice? After beating former race winner Alboreto to the second Benetton seat for 1994, Lehto would have been forgiven for thinking regular podium visits were just around the corner. This was the Finn’s first top F1 drive after
The upcoming book details what can be learnt about the1994 Benetton controversies whenever other drivers sat within the car, like Herbert. So what was the Grand Prix winner’s view of driving it? Johnny Herbert had been tipped for F1 stardom before sustaining serious leg injuries following a horrific multi-car pileup during anF3000 race in the summer of 1988. Despite not having fully recovered, the Englishman bravely returned to racing at
The upcoming book details what is learnt about the Benetton controversies when Schumacher tested a Ligier for one day in December 1994. For instance was the German as impressive when not driving a Benetton? Before we answer this let us remember the background surrounding this test. In early 1994 the Ligier team were in financial trouble following their team owner, Cyril de Rouvre, having been jailed on fraud charges. Benetton
Beste landgenoten ik wil het met jullie hebben over het feit dat men zich niet kan gedragen, men meent zich te moeten provoceren naar andersdenkende toe. Beste Nederlandsche Formule 1 fans… kunnen we effe normaal doen? Max Verstappen is een jochie van 21 dat echt nog wel wereldkampioen wordt. Maar hij is niet special, papa Jos heeft zijn werk gewoon goed gedaan! Inderdaad ik typ gewoon Nederlandsche in plaats van
During the winter of 1993/1994 F1 was subjected to infighting, politicking and accusations that cheating was rife within the sport, all of which is explained within the upcoming book. During this time Martin Brundle took a massive gamble with his F1 career, as he refused offers from the likes of Jordan in order to secure the prized race seat at McLaren vacated by the Williams bound Ayrton Senna. There was
On the 13th of August I had an interview with Ibrar Malik, the writer of the book: 1994 – The Untold Story of a Tragic and Controversial F1 Season. Better still, it was a conversation between two fans, two fans who share the same passion for the same season. 1994 Is probably the most controversial season in Formula One history. Illegal software, wheel banging on the tracks, and sadly some
“Berger was the thickest driver I have worked with, Alesi was a close second”…those are the forthright views of a former Benetton mechanic who is ready to let rip! The ex-Benetton mechanic has kindly contributed towards the upcoming book, but cannot be named because he still works in F1. However, his anonymity means he can be brutally honest. An amazing article by Ibrar Malik! Benetton started 1996 with high hopes
What Does The Most Successful and Worst Car of 1994 Have in Common? Answer; they shared the same ancestor. The Pacific PR01 car failed to finish a race in 1994 whereas the Benetton B194 won eight Grand Prix’s, yet amazingly the two cars originated from the same 1991 design. It’s just the Pacific was a less refined version of the Benetton. Many thanks to my friend Ibrar Malik. As you
In early 1991 the rumors appeared in the paddock that Reynard was working in secret on their own Formula One design. The plan was to enter the Formula One in 1992 with their own car. But what was true about the rumors? Well Adrian was working on their own design, and yes there are photo's of it, but did you know that this Reynard was the ancestor of two car
