The British government had agreed that tobacco ads were allowed in Formula One, but the European Health Commissioner Flynn stated that there would be a ban in the entire European Union, thus also in Great-Britain.

This statement by Flynn was not entirely true. Some of the countries are expected to oppose the ban: Germany, Denmark, Austria and Greece. If Britain is also against there will be no ban. A spokeswoman of Flynn stated: "Without British support, it's dead."

A British official said: We're looking at a compromise -- an exemption of seven to 10 years."

The problem for Britain is however that you can't exclude one sport from the ban because this would never hold up in court. Flynn has already stated: "You cannot segregate one particular sport."

A solution to this very controversial issue still seems far away. Flynn will meet with Max Mosley this Wednesday.