Britain's decision to exclude Formula One from a Tobacco advertisement ban will not be accepted in the rest of the European Union. European Union Health Commissioner Padraig Flynn said: "You cannot segregate out one particular sport. The member states would not accept that."

He also added: "I was very disappointed. I do not want to see Formula One racing put in competition with a public health issue of such enormous consequences for the good living and health of the people."

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has already stated that if such a ban could come into play he would be looking for other countries to hold Grands Prix in then countries in Europe.

The relationship between Tobacco advertisement and starting smoking is still unproven and more a matter of opinion.