Sobranie to sponsor Midland, tobacco to stay in F1

Benson & Hedges owner 'Gallaher' is expected to shortly sign a new contract to stay with Jordan's 2006 identity, Midland.

Although a Europe-wide cigarette advertising ban fell on F1 this year, Ferrari, Renault and Honda also intend to keep racing with smoke-funded liveries in 2006.

McLaren ended its 'West' association in Hungary (July).

However, contrary to speculation that another tobacco brand has raced away from formula one, Gallaher will – according to sources – sponsor 'MF1 Racing' next year, although probably with the 'Sobranie' label's branding.

It was earlier suggested that Gallaher was only interested in staying with the Alex Shnaider-owned team if a British driver – like Anthony Davidson – was in the cockpit.