PRESS RELEASE FROM BENETTON FORMULA

Following the press release issued today by the FIA regarding the fire
involving Car No. 6 during a pit stop at the German Grand Prix, Benetton
Formula Ltd would like to make the following statement:

Benetton Formula's concern for an investigation into the events
surrounding the incident, prompted us to contract an independent company
specialising in accident investigation to carry out a study of the
accident and to give an opinion on the method of refuelling.

This company is a specialist in the field of accident investigation and
assessment of engineering failures and accidents. They particularly
specialise in the aerospace field.

The company has conducted investigations into over 300 serious accidents
worldwide, in addition to numerous less serious cases. Their work has
included involvement in most major accidents since 1972 to public
transport aircraft and helicopters in the UK, and surrounding waters,
as well as overseas incidents where aircraft of UK registration or
manufacture have been involved.

The company has also frequently served as technical investigator for
military boards of inquiry into serious and complex military aircraft
accidents.

     Part of their report states:

"Consideration was given to the effect of the absence of the filter
previously positioned at the point where the inner hose joins the nozzle
unit. (It is understood that this was removed for the Hockenheim race
after a lengthy period during which no debris was collected in any of
the Benetton Team's filters.)

"Any debris would, under normal circumstances, travel through the
connection into the car tank. No evidence was seen, during the
examination, of scouring or of other effects which could have resulted
from debris fouling any of the moving parts. A study of the layout of
the fuel path and of the evidence surrounding the incident did not
suggest any way in which any feasible debris contamination from the fuel
flow could have caused the failure of the nozzle to engage correctly."

Given our concern over refuelling safety, we had hoped to be able to
discuss this report with the FIA and undertake the necessary actions to
reduce the risks involved in refuelling. A written request has now been
placed with the FIA urgently requesting such a meeting.

A copy of this report was immediately lodged with our legal advisors,
Marriott Harrison of London, upon receipt of the FIA's press release.

The filter mentioned was introduced part way through the year in
response to problems teams were having with debris entering the valve
and car. Benetton was able to eliminate this problem.

The Benetton fuel rigs prior to Hockenheim had been thoroughly stripped
and cleaned and there was no risk of debris entering the valve assembly.
Benetton also pre-filter their fuel twice before it is placed in the
fuel rig.

Benetton Formula concluded the filter was unnecessary and it was
removed with the full knowledge and permission of the FIA Formula One
Technical Delegate, Mr. Charlie Whiting. This permission was given
on the afternoon of Thursday 28 July to Mr. Joan Villadelprat in the
presence of Mr. Ross Brawn. The consequence of attributing, in Benetton
Formula's view incorrectly, the cause of this fire to the lack of a
filter, means that such an incident could happen again, possibly with
far more serious consequences.