With the new ban on tobacco advertising starting today for all European cultural and sporting events, Ferrari is to defy the ban after identifying a potential legal loophole that will let it carry Marlboro's livery at its home Grand Prix in Monza The ban officially comes into force today but Ferrari insists that it is exempt during September's Monza Grand Prix in northern Italy because the event can be defined as a "national" rather than a "cross-border" competition. "Our official line is that we will always abide by the law of the country where we are racing," said Luca Colajanni, Ferrari spokesman. "As far as Monza is concerned, I suggest you read the law passed by the Italian parliament." The move appears certain to lead to an angry showdown with officials of the European Commission, which is adamant that if the Italian government allows Ferrari to advertise cigarettes it will be in breach of the EC Tobacco Advertising Directive, which prohibits "sponsorship of cross-border cultural and sporting events". [The Telegragh]