Renault has been given the go-ahead to race with its current livery in Canada after concerns were raised that it may not conform to the country’s tobacco legislation.
The Quebec authorities, including the Ministry of Health, agree that the team has no links to the tobacco industry, and the black and gold colours used are a reference to the cars of the eighties rather than a particular sponsor.
“We’re delighted to be able to race in Montreal in our usual colour scheme,” said team principal Eric Boullier.
“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.
The team did hint that their livery may face changes in the future.
“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.”
