Complying with voluntary 2007 exit
A media source at British American Tobacco has confirmed reports this week that the company will pull out of Formula One at the end of 2006.
"There is no change; nothing new," the source at BAT`s London offices clarified on Friday.

After the firm - continuing to advertise its Lucky Strike brand this year - sold the Brackley based BAR team to Honda, it remained committed to a voluntary 2001 agreement among tobacco companies to exit for 2007.

Philip Morris` (Altria) Marlboro brand, however, will break the pact by remaining in Formula One for the foreseeable future with Ferrari.

"It will be sad to end our association (with F1 and Honda)," BAT marketing director Jimmi Rembiszewski said in a statement, "but we look forward to our last year of sponsorship."

Tags: grand-prix,