Marlboro extends contract with Ferrari - 4th September 11:04am GMT

Formula One champions Ferrari have extended their sponsorship deal with Philip Morris to 2011 despite European Union legislation against tobacco advertising.

Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo announced the extension at an Italian Grand Prix dinner at the Monza circuit on Saturday night.

No financial details were given. The existing deal had been due to expire at the end of the year.

Philip Morris's Marlboro cigarettes are Ferrari's title sponsor, although the red and white cars are running unbranded at Monza this weekend due to lingering uncertainty about the EU legislation.

The directive banned all print and broadcast advertising and event sponsorship within the EU by tobacco companies from the end of July.