To the non-discerning fan, it may seem like cigarette brands have disappeared from the Formula One car-racing scene - until you look closer.

Marlboro, which has ridden on the successful run of Ferrari as its title sponsor since 1997, is still backing the Prancing Horse, although not everyone may realise it.

This is because the Italian team has placed 'stripes' in place of the Marlboro logo on its cars in countries which do not permit tobacco advertising.

These barcode stripes are the same as those on the sides of Marlboro cigarette packs.

Ferrari has been using these liveries since 2005. Come Sept 28 in Singapore, the team is most likely to stick with that too.

Prestigious though the inaugural F1 night race may be for the country, Singapore's ban on tobacco advertising still applies, the authorities said.

In response to questions, a spokesman for the Ministry of Trade and Industry said 'the publication or display of any acknowledgement of sponsorship of a tobacco company would, as a general rule, be prohibited'.

'The F1 teams are aware that they have to abide by the laws of the countries in which they race in. This includes regulations on tobacco advertising.'

She added that Singapore is committed to the World Health Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which calls for a complete ban on any form of tobacco advertising, promotion or sponsorship.

Mr Luca Colajanni, head of Ferrari's motor sport press office, said the team will 'respect the local laws and regulations of the country where we race'.

F1 has traditionally been fuelled by tobacco sponsors, but their numbers have been reduced sharply in recent years, primarily due to a clampdown by the European Union.

Williams was the first major team to forgo tobacco sponsorship in 2000. It was joined by McLaren - which dropped the West brand after 2005 - and Renault, which ended its deal with Mild Seven after 2006.

However, tobacco advertising was allowed for races in Monaco, Bahrain and Shanghai last year.

When asked by The Sunday Times where tobacco advertising would be allowed this year, the office of F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone replied that 'if their laws have not changed, that will be a good indication of where tobacco advertising might be allowed'.

The organisers in Monaco and Bahrain have separately confirmed that tobacco advertising will probably be allowed again this year while Shanghai's said that a decision has not been made yet.

chengwee@sph.com.sg

F1 has traditionally been fuelled by tobacco sponsors, but their numbers have been reduced sharply in recent years, primarily due to a clampdown by the European Union.