Lotus Renault GP car might not be allowed to enter Canada
There are speculations that the new livery of Lotus Renault GP might not be allowed to run at the Canadian Grand Prix, this June. The team announced earlier this year to paint its 2011 car in black and gold. Although many of the fans will be very happy to
see the legendary combination ramping on the tracks once again, however, the Canadian Government is not expected to be much pleased by the idea.
These colours represent the combination of the leading tobacco company, John Player, which was the title sponsor of the old ‘Lotus Racing’, decades back. In 1970s and 1980s the team’s cars got its colours from its sponsoring brand. Although, the new team,
Louts Renault GP has nothing to do with John Player, still, there are speculations that the new team cars might not be welcomed by the Canadian government. The country’s law strictly prohibits any kind of advertisement that highlights tobacco or a cigarette
brand.
RenaultF1 signed a deal with the car manufacturer company, Group Lotus last December, making it the title sponsor of the team, for this season. This not only changed the name of the team from ‘RenaultF1’ to ‘Lotus Renault GP’, but the car-livery of the team
was also redesigned. Last year’s yellow paint will not be seen next season on the track, rather the iconic combination of the old ‘Lotus Racing’, black and gold will be witnessed once again on the Formula One grids.
Besides presenting the iconic team, the colours have always been loved by the race fans for a better and even bigger reason. The same colours marked the historical car of the greatest racer ever in Formula One, Ayrton Senna. While this colour makes the race
fans very excited it is suspected that the Canadian law might pose some trouble for the team.
As per Canada's Tobacco Act, "no person shall promote a tobacco product by means of an advertisement that depicts, in whole or in part, a tobacco product, its package or a brand element of one or that evokes a tobacco product or a brand element."
However, as the news got air earlier this week, many of the sport’s analysts dismissed it saying that despite Canada's strict anti-tobacco laws, no issues will be created for the team. It was further stated that everyone including the Canadian government
and race fans know that the team has no ties with JPS brand.
Moreover, the government has shown flexibility in the earlier years as well, like in 2006, BAR's cars hit the Canadian Track with Lucky Strike colours. Also, in 2008 Ferrari ran its controversial barcode which many thought was intended to promote Marlboro,
the team’s sponsors.
When the issue was discussed with a spokesperson for Health Canada he stated, "Tobacco inspectors would need to fully review to assess whether a violation of the Tobacco Act has occurred. The Tobacco Act prohibits the promotion of tobacco products or tobacco
product-related brand elements in Canada, except as authorized by the Act or regulations. Tobacco product sponsorship is prohibited entirely and tobacco advertising is severely restricted."
Moreover, while talking to a reporter a spokesperson from Imperial Tobacco, the parent company of JPS, said that as per country’s law, showing any likeness to a cigarette pack is prohibited. He further stated that he is not sure how the government will react
but if he was a part of Lotus, ‘I would be concerned,’ he said.
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