Ferrari have removed the barcode logo from the engine cover of their car, after controversy last week about its alleged subliminal link to Marlboro cigarettes.
The F10 appears in Spain with only a white line on either side of their engine cover, in order to silence the critics alleging that the barcode design promoted long-term sponsor Marlboro, owned by Philip Morris.
A statement issued by the team said: “Together with Philip Morris International we have decided to modify the livery of our cars starting with the Barcelona Grand Prix.
“This decision was taken in order to remove all speculation concerning the so-called ‘barcode’ which was never intended to be a reference to a tobacco brand.
“By this we want to put an end to this ridiculous story and concentrate on more important things than on such groundless allegations.”
