Q: Does anybody know why Ferrari launched the F2008 with the Marlboro-bar code sponsor logos on the front monochoc, side pods, rear wing etc, and from the Australian grand prix onwards got rid of them, especially on the monochoc no guys, your not getting me, Winter testing they had it same as last year.. first race.. gone...
A: All the different host nations of GPs have different Laws concerning tobacco advertising. In some countries there's a complete ban, some partial bans and some (very few though) don't give a stuff. Big tobacco with have a small army of lawers thinking up subtle ways around the laws. It's well worth taking a look at the Liveries from Ferrari. They're a masterclass from Phillip Morris on how to bend an advertising law. The barcode was a particular success, it got all sorts of people including those who don't smoke trying to figure out what the connection to Marlboro was.