Gauloises to sponsor Kronos Citroen

The Altadis-owned brand, who has been involved previously with Ligier and Prost's Formula One teams, will back the team beginning with this month's Monte Carlo Rally.

It was thought that tobacco branding had left the sport with Marlboro-backed Peugeot withdrew at the end of last season.

However, the French cigarette manufacturer appear keen to back double World Champion and countryman Sebastien Loeb, who will drive for the team. Although the company will share the space with Total, the car will be mainly be run under Gauloises colours.

The team will not be allowed to run explicit tobacco advertising on the majority of events however, due to worldwide tobacco legislation. Argentina, Mexico, Japan and Monte Carlo do not currently have such legislation.

A statement for the company said: "After two seasons crowned by two World Championship titles in MotoGP, Gauloises will participate in the FIA 2006 World Rally Championship.

"Besides the Kronos team and his two drivers, Sebastien Loeb, the reigning World Champion, and his teammate Xavi Pons we are delighted to be able to take up this new challenge for the conquest of a new world title, the French brand of the Altadis group will be present on the two Citroen Xsara of the Kronos team from the Monte Carlo Rally."

The news come after the Yamaha MotoGP team announced the end of a partnership with Altadis/Seita, who own the Fortuna and Gauloises brands and had been title sponsors for the past three years.

Altadis/Seita subsequently threatened legal action against the Japanese manufacturer, who yesterday announced a new deal with Japan Tobacco International through the Camel brand.

The Camel deal ensured that the highest-profile team in MotoGP will continue to carry tobacco advertising despite the European legislation.