Former Formula 1 team boss Eddie Jordan has paid tribute to the contribution tobacco sponsorship has played in grand prix racing as the sport moves towards the final stages of phasing out the presence of cigarette logos on cars.
Only Phillip Morris brand Marlboro now remains tied to F1 through Ferrari, with both BAT and Japan Tobacco quitting in 2006.
Jordan's team was sponsored by Gallaher brand Benson & Hedges from 1996 until he sold the outfit to Russian billionaire Alex Shnaider in January 2005, and he suggests that F1 owes much of its success through the 80's and 90's to the support of the tobacco companies.
"I'd like to bid a fond farewell to the tobacco companies and what they've made possible for our sport," he said in his column in the latest edition of F1 Racing (out Tuesday).
"I won't try to justify their existence and we all understand the ethical issues, but tobacco sponsorship has been a major part of almost every team's financial survival.
"I was happy to take their money; in fact, I can't imagine surviving 35 years in the sport without it.
"From my own driver sponsorship with Marlboro (and again in F1), to Barclay, or Camel in F3000 and even Viceroy."
The arrival of B&H marked a turning point for Jordan's team, which towards the end of the '90s became a race-winning force in F1.
"Benson & Hedges believed so strongly in the style and vibe of Jordan: we brought each other to the podium for all four Jordan wins," he said.
"Great
fun and amazing memories: those were the days."
So true. I mean, tobacco companies helped to keep most of the teams going in thos days. I cant imagine small teams survive without these companies help.
And the tobacco companies also got a lot of publicity. Most people know abt lucky strike and Marlboro because of their association with racing
SOURCE: itv-f1
Jordan pays tribute to big tobacco
