AUGUST 20, 2002

Malaysia bans tobacco sponsorship

The Malaysian government has announced plans to ban all tobacco sponsorships next year. Tobacco advertising is already banned but the current law does not stop tobacco firms sponsorsing events. Whatever the case however the Malaysian Grand Prix is not going to affected as the government says there will be an exemption for the event. Any attempt to stop tobacco firms racing in Formula 1 are likely to put the race in jeopardy and the government is well aware that there are a number of rival projects which want to get a Grand Prix.