1/43 Model Review: 2006 World Champion Fernando Alonso (Renault R26)

Background

After a Championship winning 2005 season, the 2006 challenger would prove equally effective, taking 8 wins and both Drivers' and Constructors' Championships. The team were put under pressure by the Ferrari of Michael Schumacher, his final season with the Italian marquee, but Alonso and the team were able to secure both titles in the final round at Interlagos, Brazil. This was a defining moment for the Spaniard who proved to be the most complete driver in the current field after securing his back-to-back titles.

Minichamps

Minichamps 400060001

The standard Renault had Team Spirit as tobacco sponsorship disappeared from the sport part way through the season. Minichamps have provided another strong model, though I was never really a fan of the helmets in this era of Minichamps. The car itself has good proportions and growing complexity that is nicely modelled. 

Minichamps 400060101

The British GP livery is one of my favourites from the season as Renault did many various one-off livery alternatives to the Team Spirit version.

Minichamps 400060201

The French GP features a shark. It also comes with the sidepod fin, which is not on the early season versions. It's a shame we only get two of the special liveries, but it's good we have some.

Minichamps 436060001

Unlike the World Champion collection version of the 2005 R25, this is a much better update. I much prefer this helmet, which is a little larger than the original and is a much more accurate shape. There's not much significant updates that I can see. 

Score: 7/10

Norev

Norev

I'm struggling to find too much about this car, but Norev have created a nice alternative to the Minichamps car, and though the finish and refinement is not as mature as Minichamps, it's hard to pick any significant areas where it is inferior to the Minichamps model.
Score: 7/10

Tameo

Tameo SLK037 - Brazilian GP

Tameo SLK037 - Japanese GP

Tameo - Canadian GP

As you can see, there are a few different versions of the Tameo kit model. This is another beautiful triumph from Tameo. There is better detail in the chimney, the exhaust with its grills behind, the holes in the rear wing slots and a much more detailed cockpit marks the Tameo models out from the others above. 

Score: 9/10