Boutsen and Benetton rise in rank

Thierry Boutsen, who has just been hired by Benetton for the 1987 and 1988 Formula 1 seasons, is assiduously testing the B187-Ford on the Autódromo de Jacarepaguá, located in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, where the Brazilian Grand Prix will take place (photo above).

The Benetton B187 is a Formula 1 single-seater (carbon chassis) designed by Rory Byrne and powered by a 120° Ford V6 turbo engine conceived by Keith Duckworth, the founder of Cosworth, assisted by engine engineer Geoff Goddard.

Driven by Belgian Thierry Boutsen and Italian Teo Fabi, the B187 started the season well when Boutsen finished fifth in the Brazilian Grand Prix, the first round of the 1987 season.

However, the Ford engine couldn’t handle the high boost pressures required to compete at the front, and the team struggled to build on their initial success. These issues eased by mid-season, and both drivers achieved some impressive performances.

Thierry Boutsen led the Mexican Grand Prix for 13 laps with impressive authority, but was unfortunately forced to retire due to electronic problems. The Belgian finished the 1987 season with 16 points, while Fabi, in his final F1 year, scored 12. Benetton finished fifth in the Constructors’ Championship and approached the next season with optimism.