Renault launch press release

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team today officially unveiled its 2003 Formula One World Championship challenger at the Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre in Switzerland. 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. This marks 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.

For Japan Tobacco, the launch represented the opportunity to announce the renewal of the partnership between Mild Seven and the Renault F1 Team for four additional seasons. The Team will continue to race under the colours of the Japanese cigarette manufacturer, with the company remaining as the Team's title sponsor. This relationship is already the longest-running current title sponsorship agreement in Formula One.

"The 2003 season will mark Mild Seven's tenth season in Formula One," stated Mr. Kimitsuna Kidachi, Vice President of Marketing for JT. "Our numerous successes in this category have enabled us to improve the international awareness of our company, and to become the second world-wide brand in terms of sales. The renewal of our contract with the Renault F1 Team confirms our ambition and our desire to once again win the World Championship."

For Patrick Faure, Chairman of the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team, this decision is a significant demonstration of confidence. "With our facilities at Viry-Châtillon and Enstone, we possess a sound technical base," he commented. "The extension of our partnership with Mild Seven offers the perfect combination, providing us with both long-term financial stability and a solid partnership."

Flavio Briatore, Managing Director of the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team, also expressed his satisfaction with the agreement. "I had the honour of competing under the colours of Mild Seven when we won two World Championships with Benetton in 1994 and 1995, and was pleased to renew my relationship with this traditional partner of the Team when I arrived at Renault. I am delighted that we can count on the support of Mild Seven in the coming seasons, and hope that numerous successes lie ahead."

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