The stand-off between the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) and FIA oveꦫr the hike in Formula 1 licence fees in 2009 has taken a step in the latter's favour with the news 𒊎that three drivers have paid up for the mandatory super-licences.

Last week it was revealed that the new increase in the price of the super-licence - in-line with inflation - has met with considerable opposition amongst the sport's competitors [see separate story - 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:click here]. In 2008, the governing body dramatically increased the cost of a licence from EUR1,690 ($2,165) to EUR10,000, with each point scored coming at a price of an additional EUR2,000, up from🦹 EUR447 in 2007.

Such a significant jump means reigning F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, for example, will have to pay a staggering $270,000 merely to be able to compete this year. The GPDA has advised its members not to agree until talks have been🤡 held with the FIA - describing the rise as 'unreasonable' and 'inherently un🙈fair' - but three drivers, it now transpires, have gone against that counsel.

"We can confirm that the FIA has received payment from three drivers," a spokesman for the governing body told international news agency Reuters, whilst not divulging a▨ny fur𒁃ther details or names.

FIA President Max Mosley, however, gave short shrift to the G⛦PDA's argument, and is adamant th❀at no money means no racing - even if rumours of a drivers' strike during the curtain-raising Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne at the end of next month should the deadlock not be broken seem somewhat fanciful.

"🎃In the present climate, somebody who is earning several million a year and doesn't want to spend one or two per cent of that to get a licence for his trade is not going to get 🙈a lot of sympathy," the 68-year-old contended.