Renault R23

Renault R23

Industry	Formula One racing
Predecessor	Benetton (as Renault split from Benetton)
Founded	2003
Key people	Mike Gascoyne, Bob Bell, Tim Densham, John Iley, Pat Symonds, Jean-Jacques His
Products	Formula One car (R23 and R23B)

The Renault R23 was the car fielded by the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team during the 2003 Formula One World Championship. Its drivers were Italian Jarno Trulli, competing in his second year with Renault, and Spaniard Fernando Alonso, who joined the team after Jenson Button transferred to British American Racing.

Name

Following Renault's split from Benetton, the vehicle was designated as the "R23."

Chassis

The R23’s chassis was developed under the guidance of Mike Gascoyne, Bob Bell, Tim Densham, and John Iley, with Pat Symonds serving as Executive Director of Engineering overseeing the project. Engine design was led by Jean-Jacques His. Mid-season at the British Grand Prix, an enhanced version called the R23B was introduced and utilized for the remainder of the campaign.

Engine

During 2003, Renault trialed a 111° V10 engine configuration in the RS23 model aiming to reduce the center of gravity and enhance handling. However, due to issues related to weight and reliability, they reverted to a 72-degree V-angle engine for the subsequent 2004 R24.

Racing history

The Renault R23 made its debut in January 2003 at an event in Lucerne, Switzerland, confirming ongoing primary sponsorship from Mild Seven. A secondary launch took place at Paul Ricard Circuit to comply with sponsor advertising restrictions in France. Initial shakedown laps were completed by drivers Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso. The team’s comprehensive pre-season testing also involved reserve driver Allan McNish. Technical personnel expressed optimism regarding improvements compared to the previous year.

The season began on a strong note with both drivers earning points at the Australian Grand Prix; Alonso notably gained two points for finishing seventh under the revised scoring system. At Malaysia, Alonso achieved pole position—becoming both the youngest driver and first Spaniard to do so—and secured third place for his inaugural podium finish. He replicated this third-place result in Brazil amid chaotic conditions following Mark Webber’s earlier crash. While Trulli’s results declined as the season progressed, Alonso consistently added points, including a career-best second place at his home race in Spain.

Following double retirements in France, Renault introduced aerodynamic upgrades with the R23B at the British Grand Prix. This development contributed to Trulli securing a third-place finish in Germany.

The pinnacle of the season occurred at Hungary where Alonso claimed victory, becoming the youngest winner since Bruce McLaren 44 years prior and marking the first Spanish driver to triumph in Formula One. This win represented Renault’s first as a complete constructor since 1983 and their first as an engine supplier since 1997.

In the last three rounds, Alonso managed one point finish alongside two retirements; Trulli added two points finishes driving the R23B. Collectively, both versions of the car helped Renault secure fourth position in the Constructors' Championship with a total of 88 points.

Livery

The car’s paint scheme closely mirrored that of the previous year with slight modifications. Mild Seven branding appeared prominently except at Grands Prix held in France, Britain, and the United States where it was absent due to local regulations.

Complete Formula One results

(key) (bold denotes pole position; italics indicates fastest lap)

Year	Entrant	Chassis	Engine	Tyres	Drivers	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	Points	WCC
Template:F1	Renault	R23	RS23 3.0 V10	Template:Michelin		AUS	MAL	BRA	SMR	ESP	AUT	MON	CAN	EUR	FRA	GBR	GER	HUN	ITA	USA	JPN	88	4th
					Template:Country data ITATemplate:Namespace detect showall Jarno Trulli	5	5	8	13	Ret	8	6	Ret	Ret	Ret
					Template:Country data ESPTemplate:Namespace detect showall Fernando Alonso	7	3	3	6	2	Ret	5	4	4	Ret
		R23B			Template:Country data ITATemplate:Namespace detect showall Jarno Trulli											6	3	7	Ret	4	5
					Template:Country data ESPTemplate:Namespace detect showall Fernando Alonso											Ret	4	1	8	Ret