The Ferrari F1 team facing flak and criticism from all quarters and also facing proof in the form of the same barcode on Ducati cars announced that it will modify its livery in order to put to rest all concerns and criticism about its livery and tobacco advertising. In a statement released on the website , the team seemed angry about the whole incident and described the rumours and allegations as ridiculous :

Together with Philip Morris International we have decided to modify the livery of our cars starting with the Barcelona Grand Prix.

This decision was taken in order to remove all speculation concerning the so-called “bar code” which was never intended to be a reference to a tobacco brand.

By this we want to put an end to this ridiculous story and concentrate on more important things than on such groundless allegations.

I don’t understand why they needed to consult with Philip Morris (makers of Marlboro). Anyway, all charges of subliminal advertising should go now. Earlier this week the Ferrari F1 team was acting defiant and had refused to remove the alleged subliminal tobacco advertising.

The new livery can be seen below, the barcode is replaced by solid red colour (scarlet). Anyway, the tobacco companies should be happy I think, since they did get so much press for free courtesy the anti tobacco lobby and loons

The non barcoded livery form Ferrari, cannot be laser scanned on supermarket cash registers. One can also see a faint TATA logo on the sponsors. A little Indian-ness there on the Ferrari livery.

Image : Ferrari Spa Media