1/43 Model Review: 2019 Toro Rosso STR14 (Spark)

The 2019 Toro Rosso team recalled Daniil Kvyat and alongside him hired impressive GP2 driver Alexander Albon. Kvyat had spent a year doing simulator work with Ferrari and was praised for some helpful set up work returned to the Red Bull family, making his third full-time return to the team. The Russian has been solid and quick in the Toro Rosso, being a regular points scorer. Albon took a little while to get to speed, but scored his first points in the second race in Bahrain. After starting from the pitlane in China, he earned a 10th place finish and 'Driver of the Day'.

Spark S6079

Spark S6080

Spark have released both Kvyat and Albon STR14 cars, coming with a pitboard for the team's 250's GP at the Chinese GP. For me, Spark have done a really nice job on their 2019 models, this one being the latest released this year so far.

Toro Rosso had gone down a different front wing philosophy to the main Red Bull team, with there being very minimal angle on the outside of the front wing, in an attempt to claim back the outwash effect lost with the change of regulations.

Score: 8/10

Spark S6094

Amazingly, Toro Rosso scored two podiums in 2019. This is Kvyat's podium from the German GP, finishing an excellent 3rd in a chaotic race, with rain tyres, always a plus for me. This model also comes with a pitboard with the finishing positions for an excellent weekend for Toro Rosso

Spark S6096

Gasly joined Toro Rosso after the summer break and in complete contrast to his short Red Bull career, he put in many strong performances in the second half of 2019, including a fantastic podium in Brazil. But here was another fantastic performance at the Belgian GP, who like Leclerc, lost a friend in Hubert the previous day. Gasly put in some strong overtakes to finish in the points.

I did find this Australian GP edition on ebay, I think it was sold at the Japanese GP, which included a 'Thank You Charlie' message.

Spark S6047

Spark have released all three podium finishers, with Pierre Gasly earning his first podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Thoroughly deserved after a difficult start of the season with Red Bull followed by a brilliant stint with Toro Rosso and the emotion on the radio after he crossed the line touches your heart. This model comes with a pitboard and a trophy.