FIA close to new agreement

The FIA are hopeful of finalising a new Concorde Agreement "in the coming weeks".

Following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris, the FIA maintain dialogue is ongoing between themselves and commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone.

The current Concorde, a tri-partite pact that governs the commercial arrangement between Ecclestone, the teams and the FIA, is due to expire at the end of the year.

While the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull have confirmed their commitment to the new deal, Mercedes are understood to be stalling.

The FIA have now finally broken their silence on the matter in the wake of the WMSC meeting.

A statement read: "Constructive Concorde Agreement discussions are ongoing between the FIA and the commercial rights holder, with the intention of finalising an agreement in the coming weeks."

The FIA have also confirmed their intention to sanction further cost-cutting measures to ensure F1 remains viable for all teams in the future.

In particular, concern has already been expressed about impending cost rises relating to the introduction of new engine regulations from 2014.

Earlier this week Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo called for urgent action to be taken with regard to costs given the ongoing financial crisis across Europe.

In response, the FIA said: "At their request, the FIA is having active discussions with teams regarding cost control.

"Any amendments to the technical regulations resulting from a further limit on expenditure on the chassis will be submitted to the WMSC via a fax vote before 30 June.

"The intention is to help all teams participate in the championship in a fair and equal manner."

In other matters, the WMSC has confirmed a 13-round World Rally Championship for 2013, with dates to be confirmed.

The countries taking part will be Argentina, Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Monte Carlo, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

British Racing Drivers' Club president Derek Warwick, meanwhile, has been appointed a member of the World Endurance Commission, in addition to his role as an F1 steward.