EXTRA.(competitions of automobile racing)(Federation Internationale del Automobile)

PAY UP

The FIA announced that McLaren-Mercedes will have to cough up "in excess of $50 million'' to cover the $100 million fine it received in punishment for the Ferrari spying scandal.

McLaren also lost all of its constructors' championship points; the more points a team scores, the more revenue it receives. Subtract McLaren's theoretical points total earnings from $100 million, and the $50-million-plus remains to be paid.

The FIA said the money "will be used to establish the FIA Development Fund, which will assist the work of National Sporting Authorities in promoting the development of safer motorsport worldwide, especially in countries where the motorsport infrastructure is in need of support.'' Mercedes and Ferrari representatives will be invited to join the fund's board.

ENGINES FROZEN AGAIN

The FIA's World Motorsport Council announced that Formula One's 2.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 engines will remain in use until at least 2017. Engine development will be frozen throughout this period, though a change can be made after five years if all teams agree.

The decision kills an idea to switch to small-capacity, forced-induction biofuel engines, which was at the heart of proposals for a radical new F1 for 2011. However, the council adopted proposals to modify F1 cars' aerodynamics in order to increase overtaking, and the changes could appear by 2009.