Benetton Formula 1 Racing Team (Formula 1 Teams S.) - Softcover

Even by the extrovert standards of grand prix motor racing, Benetton has forged a reputation as one of the most audacious and ingenious teams in Formula 1 today. Established in 1985 when the famous Italian knitwear dynasty purchased the assets of the Toleman F1 team, Benetton set out to prove that contesting the World Championship could create an image as dazzlingly colourful and unpredictable as its range of clothing. They certainly succeeded. With a series of top drivers including Nelson Piquet, Michael Schumacher - who won his 1994 and 1995 titles with the team - Martin Brundle, Johnny Herbert, Jean Alesi, Gerhard Berger, Giancarlo Fisichella and Alexander Wurz, Benetton has established itself as one of the leading grand prix operations. This penetrating and detailed volume tells how, under the contrasting stewardships of millionaire playboy Flavio Briatore, and then top motorsport executive David Richards, Benetton surged to the F1 bigtime in less than a decade. Often controversial, sometimes inspirational, here is a team that is used to making banner headlines, not least when Richards announced his shock resignation.