1:18 Scuderia Toro Rosso – STR3 – Sebastian Vettel – Winner Italian GP 2008

Description

This Formula One car was designed by Adrian Newey, who is the Chief Technical Officer for the Red Bull racing team. It was used in the 2008 Formula One season, and was driven by Sebastian Vettel. He formed a close bond with the car, and even went as far as naming it ‘Julie.’

The STR3 was powered by Ferrari’s 056 engine, a 90 degree, 2398cc V8 with 32 valves. It possessed a composite monocoque, alongside a pushrod suspension in both the front and rear. This allowed for increased rigidity without losing speed around corners, and improved aerodynamics as the shell of the car was generally sleeker and more compact.

It is perhaps one of the most successful Formula One cars in the history of the Scuderia Toro Rosso team. In its debut race, Sebastian Vettel managed to finish in fifth place, on the Monte Carlo track. The German managed to squeeze every drop of success out of the STR3, as he also scored points in Belgian, German and Canadian grand prix. Most sensational of all was his victory in Italy.