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Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has labelled claims his team's cars carry subliminal tobacco advertising as "ridiculous".

A report last week suggested the use of a barcode displayed on Ferrari’s cars was a link to long-time sponsor Philip Morris.

But Di Montezemolo said: "Frankly, I find this argument completely pointless.

"It is verging on the ridiculous to claim that the colour red or a graphic design which shows a barcode could induce people to smoke.

"At a time when, on the other side of the Atlantic, they are fighting to provide a more equal health service, in the old continent of Europe, so-called experts are racking their brains to come up with theories that have no scientific basis.

"I think there are more important matters to think about than a barcode.

"Therefore, it's best not to waste any more time replying to this sort of nonsense, or to those who are instrumental in wanting to stoke up the story."