An anti-smoking lobby group has slammed Ferrari’s formula one sponsor Philip Morris for displaying cigarette logos at the Bahrain grand prix last weekend.
We reported last month that Maranello based Ferrari, the last in formula one to be associated with a tobacco giant, intends to use a full ‘Marlboro’ livery at certain races this year despite the advertising bans.
Matthew L. Myers, who is president of the body ‘Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’, claims that Philip Morris has therefore broken its own pledge to end all sports sponsorships that require ‘above above physical fitness for someone of the age group of those taking part’.
The agreement was signed by Philip Morris, British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco on September 11, 2001. The two latter companies duly pulled out of formula at the end of last season.
Myers argues that Philip Morris demonstrated at the Bahrain grand prix that “profit comes before health”.
“The continued formula one sponsorship is only the latest example of irresponsible conduct by the Philip Morris companies,” he said.
