Benetton: Rebels of Formula 1

Defying perceptions as the rebels of Formula 1, Benetton achieved great success, particularly in the two glorious seasons of 1994 and 1995 when the team swept aside the big names -- Williams, McLaren and Ferrari -- to claim back-to-back World Championship titles for up-and-coming Michael Schumacher. This book tells the entire 1986-2001 history of the Benetton team for the first time with insightful contributions from many of the key participants, including Flavio Briatore, Alessandro Benetton, Pat Symonds and Rory Byrne.

• Beginnings: after three seasons in F1 as a sponsor, Benetton purchases ailing Toleman and creates its own BMW-powered team for 1986, taking a first win that year with Gerhard Berger.
• Growing in stature: with Flavio Briatore arriving to run the team and using Ford engines, Benetton edges towards consistently strong performances, including two consecutive wins for Nelson Piquet at the end of 1990.
• The key driver: the inspired signing of Michael Schumacher takes Benetton closer to glory during a 1992-93 high-tech period that sees the Williams team reign supreme.
• The breakthrough year: Following tragedy, black flags, disqualifications, a pitlane inferno and political maneuvring, the tumultuous 1994 season ends with Schumacher sealing the World Championship title for Benetton after a controversial clash with rival Damon Hill.
• The best year: Transferring to Renault engines, Benetton dominates in 1995, Schumacher taking a second consecutive crown thanks to nine wins and Johnny Herbert supporting to help deliver the constructors' title too.
• The hangover: After Schumacher's departure to Ferrari and the loss of factory Renault engines, Benetton struggles to maintain its status in 1996-97 with Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi, achieving just one win in those two seasons.
• Farewell: A prolonged period of decline concludes with Renault's purchase of the team at the end of 2001.