1/43 Model Review: 1997 Benetton B197 Renault

Background

Berger and Alesi would start the 1997 season with Benetton for their second year at the team, but Berger missed three races mid-season and compatriot Alexander Wurz deputized from the Canadian Grand Prix. The car was more competitive than its predecessor, with Alesi and Berger scoring a pole position each, and Berger dominating an emotional German GP weekend on his return and after his father's death. Wurz scored a podium in only his third race at the British GP, earning himself a drive for the following year.

Minichamps

Minichamps 430970008

Minichamps 430970058

Minichamps produced their Benetton B197 in diecast metal. As usual, it is well done in proportions and the livery and logos are of a good standard. The helmet looks nice, particularly Wurz's more complex design. I do seem to have an issue on every model I get with cracked decals just in front of the sidepods, and I've had like 6 of these models. Wurz's model comes based on the British GP with a limited run of 2,222 pcs.
Score: 7/10

Tameo

Tameo TMK242

This Tameo model is based on the Monaco GP and comes with wet tyres. Whilst the Minichamps looks a little bulky, this model has much more refined and detailed shape. In many ways, I like the shape of the car, I quite like the simple livery, but I find the logos (on the real car) just too oversized and makes the whole thing too cluttered, it's hard to find a space where there isn't a logo from the side view. Anyway, Tameo represents the real thing very well indeed.
Score: 9/10