B190 – A Masterpiece to Collect
- Team MCI
- May 31
- 3 min read
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a true racing icon.
A Living Legend Returns to the Track
More than thirty years after its Grand Prix exploits, the Benetton B190 still roars on the asphalt. Its legacy is alive, its power undiminished.
In the exclusive short film from the space+style™ documentary series by Marco Joe Fazio Creatives, we follow John Reaks as he pushes the B190 to the limit at Brands Hatch on August 14, 2022—a spectacular display of pure speed, precision engineering, and timeless motorsport beauty.
Recently, this iconic car also featured in the new Apple/Apex F1 film starring Brad Pitt, directed by Joseph Kosinski.
A Racing Icon That Defined an Era
The Benetton B190 was more than just a Formula One car; it was a manifesto of engineering excellence and competitive ambition.
Designed by Rory Byrne and developed under the technical direction of John Barnard, this car embodied cutting-edge aerodynamics and high-performance engineering.
In the 1990 Formula One World Championship season, the B190 carried legends such as Nelson Piquet, Alessandro Nannini, and Roberto Moreno into battle against giants like McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams.
With two Grand Prix victories, the B190 secured its place as one of Benetton’s most iconic F1 cars.
While its successor, the B191, introduced the revolutionary high-nose design, the B190 remains a masterpiece of “low-nose” styling — the perfect expression of aerodynamic philosophies that defined the late 1980s and early ’90s.
A Car Coveted by Champions
The appeal of the B190 goes beyond victories; it continues to inspire admiration among elite drivers, even decades after its competitive career ended.
During a special session in Adelaide, Belgian driver Thierry Boutsen — who raced for Benetton in 1988 before winning the 1989 Adelaide GP with Williams — had the privilege to return behind the wheel of the B190.
Other notable drivers, including David Brabham and Damon Hill, were also on track, each driving historic cars.
As Boutsen hit the circuit, he immediately felt the car’s balance and precision. Pushing it to its limits, he demonstrated the refinement and aggressiveness that made it a winner in its prime.
Returning to the pits, he couldn’t hide his enthusiasm:
“What a well-balanced car! The engine is smooth and powerful, and the gearbox is a marvel — clutchless shifts in just 0.1 seconds!”
During a stage interview alongside Brabham and Hill, Boutsen pointed at the B190 and said with a smile shared by Hill:
“This is the car we both wanted to be driving.”
A Formula One car is only as great as the legends who drive it — and the B190 continues to captivate even the very best.
Benetton B190 in Competition — 1990 Season Highlights
A Winning Formula, A Historic Season
The B190 marked a turning point for the Benetton team, laying the foundation for their future rise among F1’s elite.
Competitive from the start, it truly shone in the latter half of the season.
1990 Japanese Grand Prix – Piquet’s Stunning Victory
At the legendary Suzuka Circuit, Nelson Piquet secured Benetton’s first win of the season.
The race became infamous for the Senna-Prost collision on the opening lap, which decided the championship.
Amid the chaos, Piquet kept a cool head and control, delivering a strategic and thrilling victory.
1990 Australian Grand Prix – A Dominant Performance
Two weeks later at Adelaide, Piquet once again showcased the B190’s prowess.
Rainy conditions tested all drivers, but the B190 excelled thanks to its balanced aerodynamics.
With teammate Roberto Moreno finishing second, Benetton celebrated a historic 1-2 finish — one of the team’s finest performances ever.
This victory was also symbolic: the 500th World Championship race in Formula One history.
Authentic Spare Parts — A True Racing Time Capsule
The car offered for sale is a collector’s investment, fully supported by an extraordinary inventory of original race-used components.
Perfect for restoration, preservation, or display in period-correct condition, this B190 is an authentic treasure trove of history.
info : info@mci.club
Comments