Tobacco companies have had particularly large budgets for their advertising campaigns. The Federal Trade Commission claimed that cigarette manufacturers spent $8.24 billion on advertising and promotion in 1999, the highest amount ever. The increase, despite restrictions on the advertising in most countries, was an attempt at appealing to a younger audience, including multi-purchase offers and giveaways such as hats and lighters, along with the more traditional store and magazine advertising.
http://www.statemaster.com/encyclopedia ... dvertising
Make no mistake about this, big business and big money in the tobacco industry. And yes, from a socially responsible perspective, they are selling death and disease. But tobacco isn't the only product that can be perceived as being immoral or unethical. Let's face it, when it comes to money, you can always find someone willing to put aside their morals and do business.
So is Ferrari a moral company based on their association with tobacco? Of course not, they try to promote Marlboro at every opportunity. Then again, Marlboro is paying them a huge chunk of change just to do that. But they aren't alone, the history of motor racing, and Formula One is steeped in tobacco advertising.
I just hope that any and all fans realize that when Massa or Alonso speak about doing well or having morals, they themselves are 100% guilty of being involved in an industry that attempts to lure young people towards smoking, and the eventual result of disease, increased health costs, and premature deaths.
Racing should be decided on the track, not the court room.
