GP4: Benetton B197 v1.1 updated

If you’ve downloaded the B197 recently, you’ll know it already features David Marques’ excellent mapping and 4K textures as part of the original release.

While he was preparing the F1 Challenge release (available here), David noticed a detail that deserved a slight correction.

Specifically, the yellow section at the rear of the B197 — an important mark of the colours of Benetton livery — wasn’t matching its real-world reference as closely as it could. Even subtle variations in tone  can be noticeable when compared to period photography or in-game lighting, so David made a quick adjustment which looks a lot better.

All texture files have now been updated to incorporate this change for all races.

You can download the updated version here.

1997 Benetton B197 v1.1

by fongu & David Marques

Download v1.1

GP4: 1997 Benetton B197 Renault by fongu & David Marques

I’m excited to unveil my newest release: the Benetton B197 (1997) in collaboration with the talented David Marques.

If you’ve tried my 1997 Jordan, you’ll notice immediately: this 3D model is on another level. I faced a familiar dilemma every modder knows too well — do I sink countless hours into a hyper-detailed model that could stand proudly in a modern engine? Or aim for something simpler and more in line with an older game’s limits?

This time, thanks to the wealth of reference photos from track-run B197s in recent years, I went for detail!

The result is we have a high quality car, complete with a fully built cockpit, accurate rear-end geometry, diffuser, crash structure, gearbox, and subtle internal components. The best thing is that this car is still within GP4 limits for polygon counts. 

While I tackled the painting on most of the internal elements, David Marques once again elevated the project with his impeccable mapping and paintwork on the main body, plus new 3D bolts, multiple wing specs, and gorgeous full 4K textures. Every race of the 1997 season gets its own unique livery — all thanks to David’s dedication and obsessive eye for historical detail, with help from Quickslick.

Since the B197 evolved directly from the ’96 car — itself evolved from the ’95 championship winner, which I made not too long ago, it helped me recreate some parts quickly and accurately that would usually take me a long time in making parts that are difficult to see from pictures. 

On track, the B197 had flashes of brilliance. Wurz debuted in it and immediately impressed with a podium at Silverstone. Alesi delivered a pole and several strong finishes. And of course, after recovering from illness and reeling from personal tragedy, Berger returned to the cockpit with that unforgettable, inspired victory at the German Grand Prix. This would also be Berger's swansong season finishing a strong fourth place, just shy of the podium at the final round at Jerez. 

This release is for Grand Prix 4 of course, but it is also jointly being released in F1 Challenge. 

I hope you enjoy driving it as much as we enjoyed bringing it back to life.

1997 Benetton B197

by fongu & David Marques

version 1.1 updated February 2026

Download v1.1

1/43 Model Review: 1999 Benetton B199 Playlife

Background

The 1999 Benetton tried some new radical technology, a front torque transfer system and twin clutch gearbox, but these proved troublesome. But the car was heavy and the aerodynamics were not as sophisticated as its rivals and the car was disappointing compared to its predecessors. The team managed 16 points, with Fisichella's 2nd place in Canada the highlight of the year. Fisichella was in contention for the win at the crazy European Grand Prix but spun out of the lead. Wurz only scored two points finishes in a disappointing season.

Minichamps

Minichamps 430990010

The Benetton is another long 1999 car, only just fitting in the old Minichamps box. The model is the standard Minichamps, with good proportions and simple details. With there being no alternative models of this car in this scale, this is a reasonable car to have in your collection, but it's not a particularly popular model, trading for cheap prices and not many being actually bought/sold.
Score: 7/10