Leading doctors are demanding an immediate government inquiry into "subliminal" tobacco advertising on Ferrari's Formula One cars, and the company's $1 billion relationship with the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, The Times has learnt.

The red, white and black bar code emblazoned on Ferrari's racing cars and its drivers' overalls is designed to remind viewers of a packet of Marlboro cigarettes, it is claimed. Under EU legislation it is an offence for a tobacco company to sponsor sporting events.