Benetton Opens New Wind Tunnel

Benetton Formula Opens The Most Advanced Wind Tunnel In Motor Racing

Benetton Formula Ltd, the company that runs the Mild Seven Benetton Playlife team, have inaugurated their wind tunnel. The new installation is the most advanced available to a Formula One team. It was built next to the Italian team's factory in Enstone, 15 miles north of Oxford(Great Britain). Benetton Formula's wind tunnel was designed to test a 50% scale model, but can also accommodate a full size formula one car. The rolling road runs at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour. It is also possible to pressurize the tunnel and simulate speeds up to 300 miles per hour. Rocco Benetton, Chief Executive of Benetton Formula, commented: "We are extremely proud that the technology involved in the wind tunnel is the most advanced in the Formula One World. This is probably the biggest single technological investment in the Formula One industry and certainly the largest ever investment made by the Benetton Group in motor racing. We now have a unique tool that is second to none. This project underlines our commitment to Benetton Formula and to consolidating its position as a top team. We well be using it full time in developing our 1999 car." The building that accommodates the wind tunnel is 1,250 square meters. From design to final construction the project has taken almost three year's work and an investment of over £million. In the last five years the Benetton Formula team has won three Formula One World championships: the driver's championship in 1994 and the driver's and constructor's championship in 1995. The team currently employs 320 staff.