BAR to Race without Tobacco Branding
The BAR Formula One team will race in Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix without cigarette advertising because of new European Union anti-tobacco legislation
Owners British American Tobacco said the team had decided to drop the Lucky Strike branding normally displayed on the car.
"While British American Tobacco are aware of recent efforts by the (British) government to clarify the position regarding tobacco branding, we had made a decision to run unbranded at the race on advice we had at that point," a statement said.
Legislation coming into force in Britain outlaws all print advertising, radio advertising and event sponsorship by tobacco companies from midnight on Sunday.
It could allow for prosecution of any British-based team if images of a race where tobacco sponsorship is carried are broadcast in Britain.
BAR are one of four teams with tobacco sponsorship. The others are British-based Jordan (Gallaher), Renault (Japan Tobacco) and Italy's World Champions Ferrari (Phillip Morris).
British-based McLaren ended their long association with German cigarette brand West on Friday.
The Hungarian Grand Prix itself is sponsored by Phillip Morris brand Marlboro.
Share Or Save This Story
LIVE: F1 Hungarian GP updates - Norris beats Hamilton to top FP3 after red flag for Perez stoppage
BTCC Thruxton: Proctor substitutes for unwell Osborne, Smiley tops practice
F1 Hungarian Grand Prix track repaired overnight following driver complaints
When plucky private entrants could afford to go GP racing, and how F1 changed with the rise of commercialisation
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments