Controversy concerning Ferrari in Formula One
Once again, there has been controversy in Formula One at the start of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, as Ferrari have removed the red, white and black barcode from their racing cars after pressure from British medical experts saying it is being used as a reminder of the Marlboro cigarette packets.
In 2002 the European Union banned tobacco companies from sponsoring sporting events, but Ferrari have been racing with the barcode on their cars in Europe since that time. Professor John Britton wrote to the Department of Health in April to look into whether Ferrari have breached these rules, and both the European Commission and advertising experts concurred that they had.
Ferrari have strongly denied that the barcode represents hidden advertising, claiming it is there as part of the car’s “livery.”
A Ferrari statement read last night: “Together with Philip Morris International we have decided to modify the livery of the cars, starting with the Spanish Grand Prix. The decision was taken in order to remove all speculation concerning the so-called bar code, which was never intended to be a reference to a tobacco brand.”
Britton also wrote to the BBC urging them to consider whether it was appropriate to show Formula One and coverage of Ferrari while they were being accused of breaking the rules.
A similar incident occurred in 1997. Eddie Jordan’s Formula One team were sponsored by Benson & Hedges, and this was changed to Bitten & Hisses to comply with the rules.
Philip Morris, the world’s second biggest tobacco firm, is the owner of Marlboro, who signed an extension of their sponsorship with the most successful team in Formula One back in 2005, with the deal having an estimated value of $1billion. Morris is one of the biggest sponsorships in Formula One and the deal with Ferrari has been the most high-profile.
The Marlboro logo is still being displayed on the Ferrari drivers’ overalls, the motorhome and the trucks, but it looks increasingly likely that this will soon disappear as well.
A spokesman for the FIA, the governing body of Formula One, said: “Formula One advertising and sponsorship must comply within the law of the land.”
Meanwhile ahead of this weekend’s racing, Red Bull secured a one-two in second practice, with Sebastian Vettel coming ahead of Mark Webber, and in first practice the McLaren duo topped the timesheets, with Lewis Hamilton leading his teammate Jenson Button. Michael Schumacher showed encouraging signs of returning to form in his new car by coming third in both sessions.
Both Ferrari drivers - Fernando Alonso, who managed eighth and fourth, and Felipe Massa, placing 12th and eighth - drove without the barcode on display, which was covered in red with a white border.
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