The Renault R23 was the car with which the Renault team competed in the 2003 Formula One World Championship. It was driven by Italian Jarno Trulli, who was in his second season with the team, and Spaniard Fernando Alonso, who replaced Jenson Button after the Briton left for British American Racing. The Renault R23 was launched at an official ceremony in Lucerne, Switzerland in January, 2003. At this initial launch, it was confirmed sponsor Mild Seven would be continuing to be the primary sponsor of the team. Just days later, the Renault team re-launched the car at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France. The double launch was caused by Renault promising a branded car launch for sponsor Mild Seven, something that would be illegal in France. Both Trulli and Alonso completed laps of the circuit in the car at Paul Ricard to begin the new season for the team.