Renault Re-Launch R23 at Paul Ricard

Renault re-launched their new R23 car at the Paul Ricard circuit today - just three days after the team gathered beside Lake Lucerne in Switzerland for its initial unveiling.

The French outfit are understood to have been forced into making a double launch after making a promise to sponsors Mild Seven for a fully-branded launch in Switzerland then deciding they wanted to unveil their new car in their homeland.

The team, who finished fourth on their return to the World Championship last year, arranged for a fly-past of eight French Airforce Alphajets to mark the launch, and driver Jarno Trulli believes he will soon be flying high himself.

"The Renault adventure has arrived at exactly the right time," said Trulli, who is now in his seventh season of Formula One. "It will allow me to demonstrate what I am capable of."

Trulli is well known for his speed on a single lap and the new qualifying rules - of one lap flyers to decide the grid - as well as a ban on electronic driver aids should play into his hands.

"The new regulations for 2003 will be an extra challenge," Trulli added. "They put more emphasis on the driver and that will mean I can put my experience to good use."

Flavio Briatore, Renault's managing director, reckoned that the team's programme will demand hard work, but is confident they will be able to succeed.

"We are more motivated than ever," said Briatore. "Thanks to the perfect co-ordination between Enstone and Viry-Chatillon, we have a strong team which can also count on the benefits of Renault's technology via the Technocentre.

"In Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso, we possess a tightly-knit, well-balanced driver pairing."