FIA to reduce superlicences

Formula One's governing body, the FIA, has agreed to reduce fees for drivers' superlicences from the start of the 2010 season. The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), which represents the majority of F1 drivers, has previously expressed its displeasure at the hike in fees introduced prior to the 2008 season. However, after a meeting between FIA president Max Mosley and GPDA on Monday, it was announced the superlicence fee will come down next year, although a statement confirming the news stopped short of revealing what the new cost will be.

"Following a very positive meeting between FIA President Max Mosley and representatives of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), a proposal will be made to the World Motor Sport Council to revise superlicence fees for drivers in the 2010 championship," read the FIA statement. "A reduced fee would reflect the major cost reductions that will be brought into the sport for next season. "A number of other issues were discussed and the FIA has agreed to meet representatives of the GPDA on a regular basis to maintain what promises to be a constructive dialogue." Prior to last season, the FIA increased the fee for the superlicence from ?1,725 (Dh8,650) to ?10,000. For this year, the FIA imposed a nominal ?400 rise on the superlicence, taking the figure to ?10,400. Drivers also face a charge based on the number of points amassed during the season. That has risen from ?447 per point in 2007 to ?2,100 per point in the coming campaign. *PA Sport