The European Commission is stepping up its pressure on a number of countries that host rounds of the Formula One World Championship, and which currently allow tobacco advertising, writes Christian Sylt.

The European Commission has revealed that it has sent 'letters of formal notice' to Italy, Hungary and Spain with regards their failure to comply with European tobacco advertising laws.

The commission has warned that the three countries - it has also written to the Czech Republic - have just two months to respond and bring their national legislation in-line with European Union law or risk being taken to the European Court of Justice.

The Spanish Grand Prix has already switched its title sponsorship from Marlboro to Telefonica, however, more importantly, the advertising ban refers to car liveries and trackside signage.

In 2005, the Hungarian event was also sponsored by Marlboro, and this was specifically referred to in the EC's letter which criticised the country for allowing tobacco product advertising "under special circumstances connected to events important for the economy".

The European Union's tobacco advertising directive bans all cross-border advertising in print media, on the internet and over the radio.