Ferrari Extends Philip Morris Deal
Ferrari has extended its partnership with tobacco company Philip Morris for another four years – despite cigarette advertising being banned in Formula One.
The Philip Morris brand Marlboro has been Ferrari’s title sponsor since 1997, although the logo has not appeared on the F1 car since the 2007 Chinese Grand Prix.
The Formula One team signed its current deal with the tobacco company in 2005, with the new deal extending the partnership until the end of 2015.
The previous deal was due to expire at the end of this year.
Ferrari is the only Formula One team who still carry cigarette backing, although the branding is no longer displayed on the cars due to anti-tobacco advertising legislation.
The sport’s most successful team removed a controversial barcode design last year, following claims the subliminal advertising hinted at the Marlboro brand – however, the team still refers to itself as ‘Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro’.
Ferrari currently sits in third position in the F1 constructors’ World Championships, behind the McLaren-Mercedes team, and a long way behind Red Bull Racing.
