Ferrari shun blue-chip sponsors for fags & booze

Having lost Vodafone to McLaren for 2006, Ferrari have signed a deal with new sponsors Martini. The team are pushing the angle that Martini have a long historic association with motor sport (particularly rallying).

But the true significance of the deal is that it underlines how Ferrari, wedded to Marlboro cash, cannot attract or retain major blue-chip brands because of their tobacco association. Not only have McLaren poached Vodafone, but BMW have launched their car with prominent backing from Intel and 02.

Related links:

• F1Fanatic Volume 1, Issue 20: Editorial – Kicking the habit
• Tobacco no-show?
• F1 and A1 Grand Prix: Ferrari and Marlboro (external)