BAR seek urgent guidance on tobacco
sponsorship
Tue Jul 26, 2005 12:46 PM BST
By Nick Mulvenney
LONDON, July 26 (Reuters) - BAR have urged the British government
to clarify a new law on tobacco sponsorship before it comes into
force at Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.
The British-based Formula One team fear British legislation
enforcing a European Union (EU) directive against tobacco
advertising could leave them open to prosecution if they run with
cigarette branding in Budapest.
"We have asked the British government numerous times through (team
owners) British American Tobacco for clarification," BAR team
principal Nick Fry said at the German Grand Prix last
weekend.
"We're somewhat frustrated that we haven't had a clear answer on
this. We need something in writing, something firm.
"There has been an ongoing request for clarification that has been
going on for six months now but we are none the wiser."
The new law enforces an EU directive which outlaws all print
advertising, radio advertising and event sponsorship by tobacco
companies from July 31.
Legislation in Britain could allow for prosecution of any
British-based team if images of a race where tobacco sponsorship is
carried are broadcast in the country, even if that race is outside
the EU.
BAR, Renault and Jordan are all British-based with tobacco
sponsorship.
"There was a positive indication in a question in the House (of
Commons) but that is not nearly enough for what could be a criminal
act," said Fry.
"We haven't had anything firm yet and for it be less than a week
away now is frustrating to say the least."
A spokeswoman for the British Department of Health said she
expected government advice would be issued this week.
DIFFERENT OPTIONS
Fry said BAR would be taking three different livery options to
Hungary while team employees would take three distinct sets of
clothing.
"We're all taking big bags to Budapest," he said.
Five teams currently carry tobacco sponsorship including
Italy-based Ferrari and McLaren, who are expected to end their
nine-year relationship with West cigarettes this week.
Renault team principal Flavio Briatore, whose team are sponsored by
Japan Tobacco's Mild Seven brand, said he was also waiting for
clarification.
"We will see what happens with the letter we need to receive from
the government and then we will see, in a few days, what will
happen," he said.
Jordan would not discuss their tobacco sponsorship but were
expected to take advice from Gallaher, who own the Benson and
Hedges and Sobranie brands.
According to media reports, the three McLaren cars will carry the
logo of West cigarettes for the last time in Friday practice at the
Hungaroring.
The Mercedes-powered team's relationship with the Imperial
Tobacco-owned brand will then come to an end.
A deal with Johnnie Walker signed in February is likely to come
into effect for the last two days of the race weekend although the
Diageo-owned whisky brand is not expected to replace West as title
sponsors.
A spokesman for Ferrari, whose deal with Phillip Morris's Marlboro
brand is thought to be worth some $60 million a year, said at
Hockenheim that the FIAT-owned team's position remained very
simple.
"You look at the law of the country and follow that," he said,
adding that he could see no reason why Ferrari's relationship with
Marlboro would not continue past the expiration of the current deal
at the end of 2006.
