Benetton Takes Over Taormina to Launch Renault Powered B196

02/09/96

Benetton became the first of the "big four" Formula One teams to roll out a new car. Motorsports News International and Reuters both reported the spectacular unveiling. Benetton drivers Jean Alessi and Gerhard Berger drove B195s through the streets of the Sicilian town of Taormina to the 2,000 year old Teatro Greco where the new B196 was unveiled.

The B196 is powered by a Renault V10 engine, and sports a revised cockpit which meets 1996 season safety regulations. It features a seven-speed longitudinal gearbox, revised suspension and new rear-end aerodynamics.

The Benetton Team's managing director Flavio Briatore asserted the team's determination to win the world championship this year, after losing driver Michael Schumacher to the Ferrari F1 team. International F3000 Champion Vicenzo Sospiri will be Benetton's test and reserve driver this year, and a Benetton F3 team will run in the German series with Jarno Trulli as lead driver.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel