Pilot The 1998 Benetton B198
The Ultimate Race Experience
"After my very first time driving these racecars, I felt that this should be something that everyone should have the opportunity to experience." - Allen Berg
Here is your chance to take it right to the ultimate level and get behind the wheel of the 1998 Benetton B198. These authentic racecars competed in the 1998 Formula One World Driver's Championship season, piloted by Alexander Wurz and Giancarlo Fisichella.
Our program enables you to take on the role of pro formula car driver for a day. We provide you with all the tools and knowledge needed to prepare you to drive the Benetton B198, from lessons in car control, track orientation, and time behind the wheel of lower performance racecars to bring you up to speed. We also provide you with several other mementos to capture this once in a lifetime experience.
Race Day
On the day of your event, you will participate in drivers' briefings, two 30 minute driving sessions in school racecars, followed by debriefing sessions with our coaches. These sessions will help you get to know the race track as well as understand the performing dynamics and concepts behind driving a racecar. Our engineers work with you personally, to help prepare you for your time in the Benetton B198.
Driving The Benetton B198
That afternoon, the Benetton B198 is prepared and ready, with the motor warmed up and tires brought up to temperature under tire warmers. You then set out on track to lay down laps in an experience that you'll never forget, with direct radio communication from our staff, to guide you through all the way.
Data Debriefing
Following your session in the racecar, your data will be downloaded from the AIM systems installed in our Benetton B198's and you will receive a data debriefing session and printout comparing your laps to an experienced driver. We will of course provide you with your on board video camera footage from our GoPro cameras. All of this is provided to you as a memento for this Once in a Lifetime experience.
Benetton B198 Features & Performance
- Judd 4.0 L V-10, 720hp @ 11,000 pm
- 0-120 mph in 3.8 Seconds
- 4.5 G cornering, 2500 lbs downforce @ 180 mph
- 5.0 G deceleration, 200 mph - 0 in 4 seconds
- Top speed 200+ mph
- 6 Speed, semi-automatic, paddle shift
- Carbon fiber brakes
The Benetton B198 is loaded with all the latest technology of its era, and construction design that is still reflected in many of today's most advanced race cars. Even the steering wheel shows off how detailed the engineering behind the cars was. On the wheel are telemetry equipment, engine mapping controls, a detailed display, and various car and radio controls.
As is the case with all top-level race cars, the Benetton B198 is also equipped with carbon fiber suspesion and Brembo carbon brakes. The amount of carbon fiber in the car's construction and bodywork means high strength and serious weight savings, resulting in better safety and high performance capabilities.
History
Benetton Formula Ltd. started in 1986, and ran some of the most famous names in Formula One such as Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button, Martin Brundle, Nelson Piquet, and more. Benetton won two consecutive Driver's Championships in 1994 & 1995 (Schumacher) and the 1995 Constructor's Championship with drivers Michael Schumacher and Johnny Herbert.
This was followed by two 3rd place finishes in the Constructor's Championship in 1996 and 1997. 1998 saw the introduction of the Benetton B198 model, designed by Nick Wirth, and is the model that Allen Berg Racing Schools is utilizes in this program. 1998 called for grooved tires, narrower car widths, and stricter brake regulations. The regulations were placed to bring the overall car speeds down, however clever engineering and design drove the cars to be massively quick in a straight line with the aid of their highly powerful V10 engines.
In 1998, the Benetton team had drivers Alexander Wurz and Giancarlo Fisichella placing 8th and 9th in the World Driver's Championship, and the team placing 5th overall in the World Constructor's Championship. The drivers saw multiple top 5 finishes, including one Pole Position, two 2nd place finishes and one fastest lap.
Racing Opportunities
Allen Berg Racing Schools also offers track day and races at Vintage Racing events in our Benettons. Email us for further information