Page 1 of 2 Next >> In what was his third full season at the Benetton team, the hugely talented Michael Schumacher was entrusted with a car capable of vying for the 1994 World Championship. This was part thanks to a comprehensive rule change that levelled the playing field as well as an equally talented engineering team that included Ross Brawn and chief designer Rory Byrne. As per the new regulations, all sophisticated electronics like driver aids were banned. This stripped away the advantage predominantly held by the dominant Williams team.
Accordingly, the Byrne penned Benetton B194 was a very straightforward design. It featured a carbon fibre monocoque with double wishbones and push-rod actuated springs and dampers on all four corners. The 1994 Benetton was powered by a works Ford Zetec-R V8 engine that was mated to a paddle operated, six-speed gearbox. Aerodynamics wise, the B194 was an evolution of the previous year's Benetton. What was carried over was the raised nose that had been typical for Benetton designs of the previous season.
Schumacher won straight out of the box in the Brazilian Grand Prix but it would be far from a straightforward season. The rival teams were immediately suspicious of the B194's performance as the Ford V8 was down on power compared to their higher rated V10s and V12s. Several complaints were filed but investigations did not find anything illegal. Schumacher continued to win in a season that was also marred by the fatal accidents of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger. Page 1 of 2 Next >>
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In what was his third full season at the Benetton team, the hugely talented Michael Schumacher was entrusted with a car capable of vying for the 1994 World Championship. This was part thanks to a comprehensive rule change that levelled the playing field as well as an equally talented engineering team that included Ross Brawn and chief designer Rory Byrne. As per the new regulations, all sophisticated electronics like driver aids were banned. This stripped away the advantage predominantly held by the dominant Williams team.