Renault launches 2003 car in Switzerland.
The Mild Seven Renault F1 team officially unveiled its 2003 Formula One world championship challenger at the Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre in Switzerland today [Monday].
In the presence of Patrick Faure, Flavio Briatore and the senior management of Japan Tobacco, the team's two race drivers, Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso, took the wraps off the new R23. The car denomination marks a return to the traditional Renault notation, after last year's R202 accommodated both the French giant and previous incumbent Benetton.
The Mild Seven Renault F1 team officially unveiled its 2003 Formula One world championship challenger at the Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre in Switzerland today [Monday].
In the presence of Patrick Faure, Flavio Briatore and the senior management of Japan Tobacco, the team's two race drivers, Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso, took the wraps off the new R23. The car denomination marks a return to the traditional Renault notation, after last year's R202 accommodated both the French giant and previous incumbent Benetton.
The ceremony marked the first of two official launches for the team, with the car's on-track presentation being held on Thursday 23 January, at the Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France.
Speaking to the official website of the Renault F1 team, Jarno Trulli said: "Seeing a new F1 car take shape is always an exciting experience. Over five hundred people have invested their passion, determination and hard work in making it happen.
"Straight away, I want to thank all the people working at Renault F1 for their efforts this winter. It is an honour to be competing in grands prix as a Renault driver."
Team-mate Fernando Alonso, who tested for the team last year, after making his F1 debut with Minardi in 2001, added: "Getting a race seat with a major manufacturer is a major opportunity, and I'm not going to let it go to waste. One thing's for sure: before fighting for myself in 2003, I will be driving for the team."
