The FIA has radically increased the price of obtaining a formula one 'superlicense'; the mandatory credential for participating as a driver in official sessions at grands prix. Previous to 2008, superlicencess cost just €1,690 plus €447 per point scored in the most recent world championship.

Former reigning world champion Fernando Alonso's 2007 credential, therefore, cost the Spaniard just under €62,000.

But according to the British print magazine Autosport, the World Motor Sport Council has approved an increase in the cost of a superlicense to €10,000, plus €2,000 per point.

New world champion Kimi Raikkonen's 2008 license, therefore, will cost him €230,000.