DOCTORS in Europe are calling for a government investigation into subliminal tobacco advertising on Ferrari's Formula One cars, and the company's $1 billion deal with Malboro cigarettes.

The red, white and black bar code emblazoned on Ferrari’s racing cars and its drivers’ overalls is designed to remind viewers of a packet of Marlboro cigarettes, it is claimed. Under EU legislation it is an offence for a tobacco company to sponsor sporting events, The Times reports.

A spokesman for the European Public Health Commissioner said he thought that Marlboro’s approach constituted potential subliminal marketing. He urged the Spanish and British governments to ascertain whether the world’s second-biggest tobacco company might be in breach of the law.

Formula One teams are due to fly into Spain for the European leg of the season which begins in ten days’ time. The British Grand Prix is on July 11.

The Ducati MotoGP team, which is also sponsored by Malboro, features the barcode logo on its motorbikes.

Read the rest of the story in The Times

Originally published as Ferrari accused of smokescreen