Benetton launch 2000 challenger

Benetton Formula have launched their 2000 challenger - the B200. The car is make or break for the team, and features a custom built engine by Supertec for the team, which Nick Wirth's departure and Tim Densham's arrival have influenced the car itself. Rocco Benetton, team boss of the team, said that "Tim joined us early enough last year to play a strong role in the design of the new car. Both Tim and his predecessor [Nick Wirth] worked together for several months to ensure a smooth transition".

In a veiled reference to Wirth, Rocco continued "Tim is a top engineer with his feet firmly on the ground. He had brought a new energy and sense of direction to the team, guided by our Technical Director Pat Symonds".

On the sponsor front, the team have secured extra funding from Marconi and MTCI (a Japanese ISP). Mild Seven remains as title sponsor. The team have also named Hidetoshi Mitsusada as their test driver. He is 29 and will be contesting the F3000 series this year, though the team is as yet unknown.

-Stephen M Baines-