NASCAR Cup Series

Ferrari removes bar code design from car

Published May. 7, 2010 5:41 p.m. ET

foxsports

Ferrari is practicing for the Spanish Grand Prix without a design on its chassis that some suggest is subliminal advertising for Marlboro cigarettes.

The Formula One team said Friday it wanted to ``remove all speculation'' that the large bar code on its paint work was associated with its principal sponsor. Ferrari says the idea of the design being advertising for Marlboro is ``ridiculous.''

Cigarette sponsorship in F1 was once common but has all but disappeared because of advertising bans in most countries where races are held. Ferrari is the only team still sponsored by a tobacco company. It's official name Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro.