Gerard Lopez – “Renault is tobacco free”
Renault has dismissed all speculations regarding its ‘black and gold’ car livery. The team announced earlier today that no connection exists between Renault and any cigarette producing company, which could accuse it for breaching the Tobacco Act in Canada.
The team announced last month to enter the 2011 grid with the legendary black and gold livery. This colour combination for the car was used by the iconic racer, Ayrton Senna during his days with the former Lotus Racing. However, the return of this colour made many smell trouble for the team at the Canadian Grand Prix. As per the Canadian law, direct or indirect advertisement of any cigarette brand or a tobacco company in the sport is strictly prohibited.
The former Louts team got these colours for its car owing to the sponsor, Imperial Tobacco label John Player Special, during 1970s and 1980s. However, the team now proclaimed that there are no connections with the label and this colour scheme was merely chosen to pay tribute to the historical Formula 1 team.
According to a ‘Health Canada’ spokesperson, the agenda might get attention of the government. He added that the livery will be inspected thoroughly to assess the extent of similarity with the brand packing. He further told the reporters that any violation of the Tobacco Act may result in a ban of the team car at the Montreal Track.
Moreover, an Imperial Tobacco spokesperson also echoed the same belief saying, "It is categorically against the law to present any likeness to a cigarette pack."
Replying back to all the charges and speculations this morning, the Renault Team Owner Gerard Lopez clarified that there was no relation between the team and John Player brand. He explained, "Number one, we have no relationship with a tobacco company. Even if we had, there is another famous team racing around in a colour that is very close to a cigarette manufacturer… For sure there is no interest in promoting anybody's brand. If someone has a problem with that, they essentially have a problem with a non-issue."
Lopez has pointed out Ferrari that has Marlboro as its sponsor for years now and races with Red and White livery that represent the cigarette pack in Canada.
At this time when Lotus Renault is already facing a severe battle over team name with the Tony Fernandes’ Louts Racing, the team hopes that another problem will not embrace them just ahead of the season.
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