Benetton launches 2000 challenger

The Italian team hopes the new car, which will be driven by Giancarlo Fisichella and Alexander Wurz, will help it recover its lost form.

The squad was sixth overall in the 1999 constructors' standings with just 16 points.

It did not score any points after July - when Wurz was fifth in the Austrian Grand Prix.

'We are starting this season determined to put the difficult times of the past few years behind us,' said ceo Rocco Benetton, at the launch of the B200 at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona.

'1999 was a tough season and everyone in the team was very disappointed with our performance.

'Benetton Formula 1 is a team with a top technological capability, but we did not deliver the results we had targeted.

'When I took charge a year ago, it was immediately apparent that major changes to the team structure were required and as I personally have learned more about the sport, these have been implemented over the past 12 months.

Benetton technical director Pat Symonds claims the new specification incorporates several improvements on last year's B199.

'We have made improvements with the weight and conducted considerable research into aerodynamics and suspension geometry,' he said.

'On the engine side, we have worked closely with Supertec to produce a Playlife engine tailor-made for the car.'

Benetton added that the one of the most significant changes was the appointment of Tim Densham as chief designer.

'We have taken on new staff on the technical side and Tim joined us early enough last year to play a strong role in the design of the new car,' he said.

'Both Tim and his predecessor [Nick Wirth] worked together for several months to ensure a smooth transition.

'Tim is a top engineer with his feet firmly on the ground. He has brought a new energy and sense of direction to the team, guided by our technical director Pat Symonds.'