Benetton B197

Last updated

Benetton B197
Wurz at Silverstone.jpg
Alexander Wurz driving the B197 at the 1997 British Grand Prix
Category Formula One
Constructor Benetton
Designer(s) Pat Symonds (Technical Director)
Nick Wirth (Chief Designer)
Nikolas Tombazis (Head of Aerodynamics)
Bernard Dudot (Chief Engine Designer) (Renault)
Predecessor B196
Successor B198
Technical specifications
Chassis carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure
Suspension (front)double wishbones, pushrod, triple damper
Suspension (rear)double wishbones, pushrod, double damper
Engine Renault RS9/RS9A/RS9B, 71° V10
Transmission Benetton six-speed longitudinal sequential semi-automatic
Power730-755 hp @ 17,000 rpm [1]
Fuel Agip
Tyres Goodyear
Competition history
Notable entrants Mild Seven Benetton Renault
Notable drivers7. Flag of France.svg Jean Alesi
8. Flag of Austria.svg Gerhard Berger
8. Flag of Austria.svg Alexander Wurz
Debut 1997 Australian Grand Prix
First win 1997 German Grand Prix
Last win1997 German Grand Prix
Last event 1997 European Grand Prix
RacesWins Podiums Poles F/Laps
171822
Constructors' Championships0
Drivers' Championships0

The Benetton B197 is a Formula One racing car with which the Benetton team competed in the 1997 Formula One World Championship. There it was driven by Frenchman Jean Alesi and Austrian Gerhard Berger, who were both in their second season with the team. However, Berger was forced to sit out three races in the middle of the season due to sinus problems, and compatriot Alexander Wurz made his F1 début by deputising for him, starting at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Contents

The car is a further development of the previous year's B196, from which both drivers had struggled to extract maximum performance. The B197 proved competitive at nearly every race, but only scored one win, courtesy of Berger on his return to the cockpit in Germany. The main problem with the car was its inability to bring its tyres up to temperature on low-grip circuits, particularly in qualifying. However, Berger and Alesi did secure one pole position each during the course of the season. By the end of the season, it was clear that Benetton would adopt a new driver line-up for 1998, with Berger retiring and Alesi moving to Sauber.

The team eventually finished third in the Constructors' Championship, with 67 points. Both B197 cars are still actively used, competing in the BOSS GP Series as of 2022.

Jean Alesi driving the B197 at the 1997 Italian Grand Prix. Jean Alesi 1997 Italy.jpg
Jean Alesi driving the B197 at the 1997 Italian Grand Prix.
Ulf Ehninger driving the B197 at the Red Bull Ring. BOSS GP 2022 Spielberg Nr. 7 (2).jpg
Ulf Ehninger driving the B197 at the Red Bull Ring.

Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)

YearEntrantEngineTyresDrivers1234567891011121314151617PointsWCC
1997 Mild Seven Benetton Renault Renault V10 G AUS BRA ARG SMR MON ESP CAN FRA GBR GER HUN BEL ITA AUT LUX JPN EUR 673rd
Jean Alesi Ret675Ret325261182Ret2513
Gerhard Berger 426Ret910186710484
Alexander Wurz RetRet3

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References

  1. "3rd Naturally-Aspirated Era (3NA), Part 2, 1995 - 2000; Egs. 79 to 85. The 3 Litre Formula" (PDF). grandprixengines.co.uk. Retrieved 12 August 2023.