EU refers Italy to Court of Justice

Although cigarette sponsorship in F1 is being slowly phased out, with only Marlboro remaining next season, the continued presence of tobacco company's logos in Formula One this year has left the European Commission unimpressed.

The EU feels that the four countries involved have not implemented tobacco advertising bans as stringently as they should - especially when trying to get exemptions for F1 or other motor racing events.

"These decisions underline that the Commission has zero tolerance for allowing tobacco sponsorship, no matter whether it's for Formula One or for other events," said European Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner Markos Kyprianou.

"Tobacco advertising and sponsorship can glamorise smoking and encourage young people to take up the habit. The Tobacco Advertising Directive is key in preventing this from happening, and, as I have done in the past, I shall not hesitate in holding EU Member States accountable when the ban is not properly - or not at all - implemented."

Italy has come under fire because its tobacco sponsorship law does not apply to events which take place solely on Italian territory - even though such events can be transmitted to other countries.

After failing to respond to a letter from the EU in July, the matter will now be referred to the European Court of Justice.

Spain and Hungary have been criticised for allowing exemptions for some events to allow tobacco advertising.

Spain wanted to set a three-year exemption on tobacco sponsorship of sporting events and, although claiming that such a move was necessary for economic reasons, the EU has sent a letter of 'reasoned opinion' claiming that it does not provide enough justification.

Renault ran with full Mild Seven branding at this year's Barcelona race.

Hungary had tried to get an exemption for events of 'exceptional' importance for the national economy, which were first organised before 1990 and for which contracts were signed before May 1, 2004. The EU insists this is not satisfactory.

The Czech Republic's case, which is believed to revolve around MotoGP, relates to the EU not being satisfied with a three-year grace period being allowed for tobacco sponsorship.