Benetton B186

Benetton B186
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorBenetton
Designer(s)Rory Byrne
Paul Rosche (Engine designer (BMW))
PredecessorToleman TG185
SuccessorB187
Technical specifications[1]
ChassisMoulded Carbon fibre composite monocoque
Suspension (front)Double wishbones, pullrods
Suspension (rear)Double wishbones, pushrods
Axle trackFront: 1,816 mm (71.5 in)
Rear: 1,683 mm (66.3 in)
Wheelbase2,743 mm (108.0 in)
EngineBMW M12/13, 1,500 cc (91.5 cu in), Inline 4, turbo, mid-engine, longitudinally mounted
TransmissionBenetton 6-speed manual
Power1,350–1,400 hp (1,010–1,040 kW) (qualifying trim) 850–900 hp (630–670 kW) (race-spec)
Weight548 kg (1,208 lb)
FuelBMW Wintershall
TyresPirelli
Competition history
Notable entrantsBenetton Formula Ltd
Notable drivers19. Italy Teo Fabi
20. Austria Gerhard Berger
Debut1986 Brazilian Grand Prix
First win1986 Mexican Grand Prix
Last win1986 Mexican Grand Prix
Last event1986 Australian Grand Prix
RacesWinsPodiumsPolesF/Laps
161223
Constructors' Championships0
Drivers' Championships0

The Benetton B186 is a Formula One racing car, built and raced by the Benetton team for the 1986 Formula One World Championship. It was the first car to be constructed and raced by Benetton, which had bought the Toleman team at the end of 1985 after several years of sponsoring it and other teams, including Alfa Romeo and Tyrrell.

The B186 was a competitive car: in the hands of drivers Gerhard Berger and Teo Fabi, it set two pole positions, three fastest laps, and was victorious at the 1986 Mexican Grand Prix.

The B186, along with the Brabham BT52, BT55, Arrows A9 and other BMW-engined cars from 1983 to 1986 are some of the most powerful Grand Prix cars ever built. The B186 in particular, being the most competitive of the BMW engined cars that season could produce 1,350+ hp in qualifying trim, and about 900 hp in race trim.

This was the one and only Benetton F1 car powered by BMW engines and the only Benetton F1 car supplied with Pirelli tyres until the B190B in 1991.

  1. ^ Hamilton (ed.), pp.53, 56