It was driven by Italian Giancarlo Fisichella and Austrian Alexander Wurz, who were both in their second full seasons with the team.

In late 1998, Benetton had introduced a new wind tunnel on site, and added new sophisticated parts including a front-torque transfer system, and a twin-clutch gearbox.

As in previous seasons, the car was dominated by Mild Seven sponsorship and finished in the companies sky blue colour.

[11] The team would also take part in car development tests in June at the circuit, ahead of the British Grand Prix.

Fisichella was three tenths off Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine's fastest lap, however both cars were around 2 seconds slower than pole-sitter Mika Hakkinen.

[15] The team failed to score points at the next round in Brazil, whilst Fisichella managed a fifth place at San Marino.