[SkHukV3N]

Superlicense costs skyrocket.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64750

Superlicence cost goes up from 2008

By Steve Cooper Friday, January 18th 2008, 11:18 GMT


The cost of Formula One superlicences has shot up this year in a move that should dissuade less-qualified drivers from applying for one, this week's Autosport reveals.

A superlicence is a mandatory requirement for an F1 driver and last season one only cost 1,690 Euros, plus an additional 447 Euros per point scored in the previous year's championship.

However, the FIA's World Motor Sport Council recently approved a huge price hike that will see the licence now cost 10,000 Euros plus an additional 2,000 Euros per point.

That means world champion Kimi Raikkonen's superlicence will cost 230,000 Euros - and increase of almost 199,255 Euros on what it cost him in 2007. For Ferrari, the total bill for their two drivers will be 428,000 Euros.

No official reason has been given for the increase in costs, but Autosport reports that the increased fees may be aimed at discouraging lesser qualified drivers from applying for a superlicence and to preserve F1's exclusivety. I will and do credit the FIA for what it does right... but man they just hit new lows here. What other sporting body tries to reduce the influx of new talent by such extreme measures??

That article points to the increased exclusivity that the FIA believe it will bring. I would translate that as the FIA trying to make F1 inbred (more than it is, in any case). I see no other reason for it.

Ridiculous.

[HaseBeceDeemy]

A filthy money grab.

[Aozozbag]

That article points to the increased exclusivity that the FIA believe it will bring.

Exclusivity based on ability to pay certainly

That said for a driver to progress up the ranks to F1 takes a wad of cash anyway, so if they've made it that far then I guess the supposition is that the sponsor or team they are linked with would stump up the cash if they wanted to see 'their' driver in F1.

Perhaps if the drivers object to this price rise we'll see another drivers strike as we did at the 1982 South African GP

[stastony]

Least Kimi can afford it. Who paysfor it anyway. His team, from his wages, so its not like he has to write a cheque. His accountant will say, well you spent this much last year and you earnt this much. As your not paying tax because you have a house in Monaco, or another tax haven you have discovered, I really don't think the drivers will care to much.

It's rough on the new boys but you think the investment these teams make in taking the risk of a new young driver. Maybe this is the FIA trying to keep other young hotshots coming in and upsetting the apple cart....

As for the drivers that earn millions each year, OH MY POOR HEART BLEEDS FOR THEM!!!

[wrardymar]

Least Kimi can afford it. Who paysfor it anyway. His team, from his wages, so its not like he has to write a cheque. His accountant will say, well you spent this much last year and you earnt this much. As your not paying tax because you have a house in Monaco, or another tax haven you have discovered, I really don't think the drivers will care to much.

It's rough on the new boys but you think the investment these teams make in taking the risk of a new young driver. Maybe this is the FIA trying to keep other young hotshots coming in and upsetting the apple cart....

As for the drivers that earn millions each year, OH MY POOR HEART BLEEDS FOR THEM!!!

It should bleed---that 230,000 Euro dollar works out to be what is in us dollars? $330,000 for a one year license??????

[Yb4bulVR]

Hang on, I thought the FIA wanted to help reduce costs - hence the budget capping on the other thread.

The '82 drivers strike... ah yes, in a way one of my favourite times in the sport. Thinking back to Elio playing the piano - Gosh, I feel all pathetic now getting misty eyed at those memories

[mymnduccete]

What does the FIA gain (except $$$) by imposing this ridiculous tax???

Another FIA regulation that is utter nonsense.

[Karinochka]

It's Euros not Euro dollar.

[mymnduccete]

It should bleed---that 230,000 Euro dollar works out to be what is in us dollars? $330,000 for a one year license??????

Hhmmm... either way, it's a Lot of Money !!!

Our keyboards (here in the US), don't have the equalivent Euro character for $$$. Sorriiee.

[Lhtfajba]

Then you just write EUR, e or Euros.

[sherrferris]

What I don't understand is the additional premium per point scored - do they want to use this as an incentive for one driver not to run away with the championship? Will we see a situation where a bunch of drivers suddenly slow down with the chequered flag in sight, not daring to finish in the points in case they price themselves out of the following year's championship?

[dianakroshXX]

Whats this max? I thought you were trying to REDUCE costs?

Perhaps if the drivers object to this price rise we'll see another drivers strike as we did at the 1982 South African GP

I believe the teams are paying those.

It should bleed---that 230,000 Euro dollar works out to be what is in us dollars? $330,000 for a one year license??????

Euro dollar?

[kathy]

I may be really dense, but I thought you had to earn a super license with talent, not with cash?

[BluewayAllere]

I may be really dense, but I thought you had to earn a super license with talent, not with cash?

precisely.
reducing costs my ass!
they are all a bunch of pay drivers now..

[KignPeeseeamn]

Now just wait for the FIA to announce a new NASCAR-style points system: 180 points for a win

[Falik]

Now just wait for the FIA to announce a new NASCAR-style points system: 180 points for a win

NASCARification of F1.

Believe it people. LOL!

[kathy]

I think I'll get a superlicense. I won't pay too much since I won't have any points to worry about. I'll never use it, but it would be a fun talking point!

[KignPeeseeamn]

You mean like Jos Verstappen?..

[ArraryTauTDew]

how can it be discouraging less qualified drivers to apply, when technically the better drivers have to pay more for their license because of more points?

[HaseBeceDeemy]

how can it be discouraging less qualified drivers to apply, when technically the better drivers have to pay more for their license because of more points?

Because the drivers all have to pay more money than they previously did to acquire a super license.