Thursday 19 June at 13:17 : Formula one drivers are threatening to boycott the British grand prix next month, according to reports.

They claim the radical increase to the cost of their mandatory FIA superlicenses this year was unfair.

Previous to 2008, superlicences cost drivers just 1,690 euros plus 447 euros per point scored in the most recent world championship.

But the World Motor Sport Council in January approved an increase in the cost of a superlicense to 10,000 euros, plus 2,000 euros per point.

It means that reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen's 2008 license cost 230,000 euros.

The German specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport reports that the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) is requesting an urgent meeting with FIA president Max Mosley prior to the forthcoming Silverstone race.

If Mosley does not agree to lower the cost of their superlicenses, the drivers are reportedly prepared to strike.

An unnamed proponent of the threatened strike action said the FIA's fee increase is particularly harsh for drivers like Robert Kubica, the new championship leader.

"He is not yet earning an awful lot, but his license costs nearly a tenth of his income," the driver said.