Renault says it has been given clearance to wear its current livery in the Canadian Grand Prix next weekend by the Quebec authorities after discussion whether it complied with the region's anti-tobacco law.
As part of Renault's title sponsorship deal with Group Lotus, the team carries a gold and black livery inspired by the original Lotus Formula 1 team - when it was backed by cigarette brand John Player Special. Even though John Player Special does not appear anywhere on the 2011 Renault F1 car, there were concerns that the colour scheme still carried implicit tobacco overtones and was under investigation. Team boss Eric Boullier said the Quebec officials had accepted that the 2011 livery had no tobacco connection.
"We're delighted to be able to race in Montreal in our usual colour scheme," he said. "The Quebec authorities noted that the current livery makes a reference to images from the 1980s when the car was sponsored by the tobacco industry, but it has also accepted the fact that Lotus Renault GP receives no direct or indirect financing from the industry in question. We would like to thank them for acknowledging our good faith.We are fully aware of the stringent restrictions imposed by the law in Quebec on promotional associations with tobacco. As a result, we will use all means available to dispel any misconceptions that our identity and that of our partners is somehow associated with this industry." (Via Autosport)
But a Renault statement left the door open to livery adjustments for next season's Montreal race.
"However, the team has agreed to work with the Quebec authorities on a more noticeable way to keep complying with the local legislation in 2012," it said (Via Autosport)
