The International Automobile Federation (FIA), Formula One's governing body, announced on Monday that they have agreed to reduce F1 drivers' super licenses costs from next year.

A number of drivers had complained that the cost of the licenses was too high prior to the beginning of the 2009 Formula One Championship, which starts in Melbourne, Australia next Sunday.

"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 super licence fees for drivers in the 2010 championship," said a statement from the FIA.

"A reduced fee would reflect the major cost reductions that will be brought into the sport for next season."

The basic cost of the super licence has risen from 1,690 euros in 2007 to 10,400 euros in 2009, with an additional charge based on the number of points amassed during the season going up from 447 euros per point in 2007 to 2,100 euros per point in 2009.

As a result, British world champion Lewis Hamilton will have to pay over 215,000 euros to pilot his McLaren in this year's championship.

(Xinhua News Agency March 24, 2009)