This forged magnesium wheel represents a turning point in motorsport engineering. Originally developed by BBS in response to a request from Ferrari, it became the world’s first forged magnesium wheel used in Formula 1. Ferrari demanded a 10% weight reduction compared to cast magnesium wheels, and BBS exceeded expectations by achieving 20%. This breakthrough led to a historic three-year contract, followed by a decade of dominance in which Ferrari secured eight Constructors’ Championships and six Drivers’ titles.
The wheel on display was mounted on the Benetton B195, the car that won both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in the 1995 Formula One season. Driven by Michael Schumacher and Johnny Herbert, the B195 captured 11 race wins, 16 podiums, and 137 points, marking Benetton’s most successful season. Precision-forged for minimal weight and maximum performance, this wheel not only contributed to a championship legacy, it helped establish BBS as the premier supplier of forged wheels for both Formula 1 and global automotive manufacturers.