BAT to leave BAR early?

By Phil Huff
December 19 2002

British American Racing, heavily funded by British American Tobacco, could be the first victim of the European Union's decision to introduce its tobacco advertising ban ahead of schedule in 2005.

Last week the EU revealed that it was effectively reneging on a previous agreement whereby Formula 1 would be exempt from the ban until the end of 2006.

"We planned to stay in F1 until the end of 2006," BAT's deputy chairman Kenneth Clarke told Bloomberg. "Now we'll have to change our focus if we can't go on promoting our products.

"The tobacco ban will damage the sport,'' he added. "It's already become more difficult to get other sponsors."

McLaren continues to rub salt into the wounds of those seeking sponsorship, with a press release stating that they have made nine long term sponsor extensions this year, as well as signing up a further three new partners.

Last week, following the announcement, FIA President Max Mosley sent a strongly worded letter to the commissioner responsible, warning that F1 could be forced out of Europe by the early introduction of the ban.