The Benetton B189, the latest creation from the Italian team Benetton Formula, which competes in Formula 1 under the British license of the former Toleman team, was used during the 1989 season after a long development period. The new single-seater was equipped with the new Ford-Cosworth HBA engine in its first specification, a 3498 cc V8 with a 75° angle capable of producing 630–650 hp at 13,000 rpm. This engine required more time than expected to fine-tune, which in turn delayed Benetton’s plans to debut the new car. Moreover, the first tests of the car were carried out by young Alessandro Nannini who, during a test session, completely destroyed the only B189 prototype built up to that point, forcing the team to construct a new chassis and further delaying the already difficult operations.
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| BENETTON B189, Alessandro Nannini Suzuka, Japanese GP 1989 |
As a result, at the beginning of the championship, the team had to redirect a large portion of its financial and human resources toward managing the previous B188, which was used for the first six races of the 1989 World Championship. The B189 eventually made its debut only in France, at the Paul Ricard circuit, immediately showcasing the qualities of the new car. The design was once again entrusted to Rory Byrne, who had been the team’s loyal Chief Engineer for eight years, and it was a natural evolution of the project that began in 1986 with the B186. Aesthetically, the B189 featured a very low and sleek nose, with air intakes still positioned beside the cockpit rather than above the driver’s head as on most other cars. It was also notable for its very tall and bulky side pods with a very narrow air intake opening.
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| BENETTON B188, Alessandro Nannini Phoenix, United States GP 1989 |
Due to the high side pods, the engine cover appeared almost nonexistent, being only slightly taller than the side panels, which benefited the clean airflow to the rear wing. The carbon fiber monocoque chassis was also modified to accommodate the new Ford HBA engine, which, with its 75° V angle, had different dimensions compared to the previously used Cosworth DFR. Starting from this season, both front and rear suspensions adopted a push-rod configuration, while the wheelbase remained at 2690 mm, the shortest among the 1989 cars.
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| BENETTON B189, Alessandro Nannini Spa-Francorchamps, Belgian GP 1989 |
At the start of the '89 season, the Benetton Formula team lineup featured the confirmed presence of talented Italian Alessandro Nannini, who was joined by promising young Briton Johnny Herbert. As mentioned, the two drivers began the championship with the B188, still a competitive car that earned the team 11 points in the first six races, including a podium finish for Nannini at the San Marino Grand Prix. From the seventh round of the season, the new B189 made its debut, initially driven only by Nannini, and the second driver was replaced by Italian Emanuele Pirro. Pirro, who had been a test driver for McLaren, was “loaned” by Ron Dennis to Benetton, where he was highly valued for his car development skills. The new B189 proved to be a solid car, capable of fighting at the front, although rather fragile, as evidenced by ten retirements in twenty appearances. Nonetheless, Nannini achieved excellent results, and in the five races he finished, he always scored points with the B189.
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| BENETTON B189, Emanuele Pirro Jerez, Spanish GP 1989 |
After a third place at the British Grand Prix in just its second outing, the B189 ended the season strongly, securing the second win in the history of the Anglo-Italian team at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. Nannini, who had finished second on track, was awarded the victory following Ayrton Senna’s disqualification. In the next race in Australia, there was more reason to celebrate, with another second-place finish by Nannini. At the end of the season, Benetton Formula Ltd. secured fourth place in the Constructors' Championship with 39 points, while Nannini finished sixth in the Drivers’ standings.
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