F1 stars unhappy with price rise

Mosley: FIA president

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Formula One drivers have deferred signing their superlicences for the 2009 season in the wake of another price rise imposed by the FIA, world motorsport's governing body.

Prior to last season, the fee for the superlicence - the document that allows drivers to compete in Formula One - rose from 1,725 euros (£1,626) to 10,000 euros (£9,430). The cost of each point won also rose from 456 euros (£430) to 2,000 euros (£1,885).

The FIA said the price hike was necessary to help cover the escalation in costs of safety measures in F1, primarily for the benefit of the drivers.

After a considerable amount of discontent, and despite suggestions of a strike ahead of the British Grand Prix, the drivers eventually backed down.

For this year, the FIA have imposed a nominal 400 euros (£377) rise on the superlicence that now goes up to 10,400 euros (£9,798), and on each point by 100 euros (£94), so increasing to 2,100 euros (£1,978).

With a further levy of 2,720 euros (£2,564) being imposed for compulsory insurance, world champion Lewis Hamilton will this year have to pay a grand total of 218,920 euros (£206,416) to compete in F1.

GPDA unhappy

However, the Grand Prix Drivers' Association which represents the majority of those who race in the sport - Hamilton is not a member - are unhappy at the latest increase.

They have told the drivers not to sign their licences until the issue is resolved, with an exchange of emails having taken place between the GPDA and FIA president Max Mosley of late.

Mosley has apparently indicated he will consider the matter, but only if the drivers provide proof of income, which is a proposition no-one on the grid would entertain.

The GPDA have now asked the Formula One Teams' Association to look into the issue at their next meeting early next month.