Ferrari Denies Illegal Tobacco Branding
The Ferrari F1 team has rejected reports that it is running illegal subliminal branding on the livery of its car that contravenes the European Union ban on tobacco advertising.
Despite Ferrari’s denial, medical experts have urged local governments to investigate the ‘barcode’ branding on the car that resembles the cigarette packaging of Ferrari’s sponsor Philip Morris.
In a statement issued by Ferrari, the Italian team insisted there has been ‘no (Marlboro) logo or branding on the race cars since 2007, even in countries where local laws would still have permitted it.’
The red, white and black bar code emblazoned on Ferrari’s racing cars and its drivers’ overalls is designed to remind viewers of a packet of Marlboro cigarettes, it is claimed. Under EU legislation it is an offence for a tobacco company to sponsor sporting events.
The F1 teams are due to fly into Spain for the European leg of the season which begins in ten days’ time.
In September 2005, Philip Morris, the maker of Marlboro, extended its financial backing for the Ferrari team until 2011, despite the ban on cigarette branding on cars racing in the European Union.
The contract is understood to be worth $1bn over ten years and Philip Morris said Ferraris would not carry Marlboro branding where there was a ban.
Philip Morris also issued a statement that read: ‘We are confident that our relationship with Ferrari does not violate the UK 2002 Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act. The Formula One Grand Prix in the UK does not involve any race cars, team apparel, equipment or track signage carrying tobacco product branding. The same is true for all other Formula One races across the world.’
