Marlboro denies F1 sponsorship withdrawal

Rumours that the Marlboro brand, which has become synonymous with motorsport, will be withdrawn from all forms of motor racing at the end of next year are rife and reports in today's (Tuesday) British national newspapers suggest that a formal announcement has been made.

However, Marlboro discounted this and categorically denied the rumours: "There was no announcement," said a spokesperson for the Phillip Morris-owned brand. "It's a no comment situation and there is nothing to say."

The stories of Marlboro's withdrawal, which would also include rallying and Champ Cars, emanated from an article published in the German magazine, Focus. Phillip Morris boss Geoffrey C Bible was quoted as saying: "After 2002 the engagement will only be at lower levels and on an economy flame. We have to find ways of saving money."

Philip Morris Inc has been forced to pay out huge amounts of money in the US from smokers filing law suits and claiming compensation against the American tobacco firm. A recent pay-out of $74 billion, following a ruling in Florida, is believed to have forced the firm to reassess its sponsorship commitments.

Marlboro reportedly contributes up to £30 million towards Ferrari's annual budget, a large proportion of which is believed to pay the £16 million annual wages of world champion Michael Schumacher. That figure is expected to rise to £20 million should the Italian team wish to retain the German's services when his contract expires at the same time the Marlboro money could be lost in 2002.

Ferrari has refused to comment on the issue, but according to reports in today's Daily Express, representatives from Marlboro say the decision was inevitable.

That inevitability stems from the fact that a blanket ban on tobacco advertising in motorsport is due to come into force at the end of 2006, forcing teams to source other forms of funding, such as technology-based companies like Compaq and AT&T.