By Phil Huff
October 19 2006

One of the longest standing sponsors in Formula One will disappear for good on Sunday. Responsible for the creation of British American Racing in 1997, British American Tobacco will say goodbye to the sport after the Brazilian Grand Prix. With title sponsorship from their brand Lucky Strike for the last eight years, the withdrawal of BAT is a major blow to Honda Racing F1's finances, with no replacement sponsor yet in place.

Jimmi Rembiszewski
Marketing Director
British American Tobacco

"We are very proud of the team's sporting achievements and wish them every success in the future, but our time is over.

"Public opinion and many of our stakeholders no longer think it is appropriate for F1 to be sponsored by the tobacco industry. We have listened to their views and agree."

BAT are honouring a commitment to leave F1 by the end of this year – a move consistent with the International Marketing Standards which it voluntarily subscribed to in 2001 along with its two major international tobacco company competitors.