Five Most Expensive Players This Summer

Transfer market this summer has been officially closed. In a note, striker David Villa became the player with the most expensive transfer this summer.

The former Valencia player was transferred to Barcelona with a price of € 40 million or about Rp456 billion.

Meanwhile, in second place, occupied by David Silva. The former Valencia player's move to Manchester City with a transfer value of € 32 million or about Rp365 billion.

Here are five players with the most expensive transfer in this summer:

1. € 40 million - David Villa (Valencia - Barcelona)
2. € 32 million - David Silva (Valencia - Man City)
3. € 30 million - James Milner (Aston Villa - Man City)
4. € 28 million - Mario Balotelli (Inter - Man City)
5. € 25 million - Angel di Maria (Benfica - Real Madrid)

Coming Robinho, Borriello Wasted

Robinho's arrival to AC Milan's Marco Borriello eventually make up the suitcase. Borriello on loan to AS Roma, with a total cost of 15 million Euros, Tuesday, August 31, 2010.

As reported by Goal, two million Euros is payable when official lending done. Whereas the remaining 13 million Euro paid if Roma are permanently contracted.

Sebastian Vettel is 'the nicest guy' in F1

Former F1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen has sprung to the defence of the Red Bull Racing star Sebastian Vettel - arguing that the under-fire German can still claim the 2010 title and moreover is 'the nicest guy' on the grand prix grid...

He may not be receiving much praise from his fellow F1 drivers just now, but under-fire Red Bull Racing star Sebastian Vettel has been labelled 'the nicest guy' on the grand prix grid by former world champion-turned-World Rally Championship convert Kimi Raikkonen.

Vettel has been slated by the McLaren-Mercedes team principal Martin Whitmarsh for his 'habit of colliding with the other drivers' and his 'junior formulae' error that removed Jenson Button from contention and quite possibly also from the title reckoning in last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps [see separate story – click here], with the defending F1 World Champion himself arguing that his young German rival 'has made too many mistakes this year to fight for the world championship.

However, Raikkonen – who only a matter of months ago was linked with partnering Vettel at Red Bull in 2011 – begs to differ, insisting that the 23-year-old can still claim the coveted crown in F1 2010 and revealing that the Heppenheim native is to all intents and purposes the only driver from his erstwhile world with whom he still remains in touch.

“I have hardly any contact with the other drivers,” the 30-year-old Finn told spox.com. “Sometimes I play badminton with Vettel – he's the nicest guy of them all.”

Whilst he has hinted on several occasions recently that F1 is now a closed book for him rather than the sabbatical that he had originally anticipated – reasoning that he 'loves' his new career in rallying with the Citroën Junior Team as it is 'very, very exciting and the biggest challenge of my career', and having taken his maiden stage victory on the Rallye Deutschland just over a week ago – Raikkonen has since enigmatically persisted with his 'never-say-never' stance regarding an eventual return one day.

“In F1, there are too many things that are more important than the race” lamented the 18-time grand prix-winner. “It is too political and no-one says what they think because they're afraid about being taken out-of-context. I wouldn't say [I won't return, though]. First, let's take this season right to the end and then clarify some things. Then we'll see...”

Spain's Dani Pedrosa seals Indianapolis MotoGP victory

Spain's Dani Pedrosa sealed his third win of the season with an impressive victory in the Indianapolis MotoGP.

Pedrosa, who fell while leading at the Brickyard 12 months ago, started fifth but had moved up to the second by the lap four.

He then got ahead of pole-sitter and home favourite Ben Spies on lap eight before gradually extending his lead.

He finished 3.575 seconds clear of Spies, who earned his best-ever finish, with championship leader Jorge Lorenzo third and Valentino Rossi fourth.

It was Lorenzo's worst result of the season, but he still leads the standings by 68 points from Pedrosa, with seven rounds to go.

"I shouldn't be disappointed with third place but at the same time I'm not happy with my race," Lorenzo said. "I didn't ride as well as I could have and I didn't get a good start."

Pedrosa said: "It was an especially tough one because of the heat.

"I didn't make the perfect start but I was quite quick through the first few tight corners and stayed close to the leaders.

"When I was out in front it was quite hard to stay focused and at the end of the race I was really tired but I'm very happy because last year I crashed when I could have won and now I have made up for it."

World champion Rossi finished fourth, despite crashing in morning practice, and remains fifth overall, one place ahead of Spies.

Pedrosa's other wins this season have come in Italy and Germany.

The next race on the calendar is next Sunday in San Marino.

Earlier, Toni Elias of Spain claimed his third consecutive Moto2 victory in a race that was reduced to just 17 laps following an eight-rider crash on the opening lap.

Owned Milan Ibra

AC Milan officially hook Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I borrowed the Rossoneri announced the successful Swedish bomber was from Barcelona.

"AC Milan announces recruitment of Zlatan Ibrahimovic FC Barcelona with the status of the loan with an option to buy players with bandrol 24 million euros," the team said in a statement about the arrival of Ibra.

Xavi Hernandezin In Actions

Xavi Hernandez returned scathing remarks for the fans of the Premier League. Barca midfielder confirmed that Barca have not stopped close to the best players currently playing at English clubs.

After successfully getting Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, Xavi claims two stars in the Premier League is ready to move to Spain.

Federer and Clijsters headline US Open start

Federer, whose five-set loss in the final to Juan Martin del Potro last year ended a 35-match winning streak dating to 2005, goes up against another Argentinian in the shape of little-known Brian Dabul in the late match on the Arthur Ashe Stadium Court.

Clijsters, whose triumph last year just weeks after she stepped out of retirement was one of the sports stories of the year, takes on Greta Arn of Hungary in the second match in the dayside session on the same court.

Also due to be in action were French Open finalist Robin Soderling of Sweden, who plays Austrian qualifier Andreas Haider-Maurer, and 2003 champion Andy Roddick of the United States, who faces Stephane Robert of France.

Venus Williams, who carries home hopes of a win following the withdrawal through injury of sister Serena, starts against Roberta Vinci of Italy.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic to AC Milan

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival seems to AC Milan will take casualties. After striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar wants to migrate, Marco Borriello's turn now.

Borriello felt it would be difficult to obtain the core position in the Rossoneri due to the presence of former striker of Barcelona and Inter Milan. He is now talking with his agent to consider the move. Earlier, the Dutch striker, Klaas Jan Huntelaar also expressed a similar desire.

No Win Madrid, Ronaldo & Diarra Injury

Spanish La Liga competition of new scrolling, however, Real Madrid have got hit pretty badly. Mainstay players Cristiano Ronaldo and Lassana Diarra were injured after a draw against Mallorca ended 0-0.

Ronaldo's injured right ankle. Portugal star must undergo further tests to ensure injury. Meanwhile, Diarra suffered a hamstring injury.

Indianapolis GP winner Dani Pedrosa

Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa has managed to emerge as champion at the Indianapolis MotoGP race. Pedrosa managed to conquer the Tech 3 Yamaha rider Ben Spies, who started in pole position.

In the race held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Monday, August 30, 2010, Ducati rider Casey Stoner had to swallow the bitter truth after failing to finish. Meanwhile, Valentino Rossi had to settle for finishing fourth.

Indianapolis MotoGP results:

1 Dani Pedrosa Honda HRC 47:31.615
2 Ben Spies 3575 Yamaha Tech 3
3 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha Factory 6812
4 Valentino Rossi Yamaha Factory 12 633
5 Andrea Dovizioso Honda HRC 21 885
6 Nicky Hayden Ducati MotoGP 35 138
Gresini Honda's Marco Simoncelli 7 36 740
8 Alvaro Bautista 36 825 Suzuki MotoGP
9 Aleix Espargaro Pramac Ducati 44 905
Hector Barbera Aspar Ducati 10 51 368
Loris Capirossi Suzuki MotoGP 11 55 386
Honda's Hiroshi Aoyama Interwetten 12 57 903
Randy de Puniet 13 LCR Honda 1:04.139
14 Mika Kallio Ducati Pramac DNF
15 Colin Edwards Yamaha Tech 3 DNF
16 Marco Melandri Honda Gresini DNF
Casey Stoner Ducati MotoGP 17 DNF

Mascherano Ready to Sacrifice for Barca

Done already push-pull between Barcelona with Liverpool in order to make Javier Mascherano. Barca get Mascherano with the number of transfers that have not been announced.

Although only 'reached an agreement in principle', Mascherano looks pleased with this decision. Scheduled for this weekend Mascherano will soon undergo medical tests and contractual agreements.

Pacquiao vs Margarito Inaugurated

WBC Super Welter fight between Manny Pacquiao against Antonio Margarito will be inaugurated in Beverly Hills, Calif., Tuesday, August 31, 2010. The contract signing will be conducted both boxers tomorrow, Monday, August 30, 2010.

Having previously hung, petarungan terakbar Pacquiao fight Margarito this year could finally be done after the Athletics Committee of the Texas license to fight Margarito.

Atletico stun Inter to lift SuperCup

After a disappointing first half, Europa League winners Atletico opened the scoring in the 62nd minute through Jose Antonio Reyes with Sergio Aguero grabbing the second eight minutes from the final whistle.

Benitez, who has taken over from Jose Mourinho in the Inter hotseat, then endured the further misery of seeing Diego Milito's 90th-minute penalty saved by goalkeeper David de Gea.

Wozniacki rallies to reach New Haven tennis final

The Dane gets cut down in the third to beat Russian Elena Dementieva 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7 / 5) on Friday to book a place in the final of the Pilot Pen hardcourt tennis competition.

improve Wozniacki, twice champion of the tournament, to 12-0 in three trips to New Haven.

Dementieva looked relaxed as he cut Wozniacki in the first two games of the match and the service again to close the first set.

But Wozniacki responded with his own service break to win the opening frame of the second set when a player can not continue to serve a four-game final.

Dementieva led early in the third set and serving for the match at 05.04.

Barcelona's Loan to AC Milan's Ibrahimovic

Barcelona has reportedly reached an agreement to lend striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the Italian club, AC Milan.

Previously, the transfer saga had reached its peak when Ibra Ibra agent, Mino Raiola said that his client was soon moved to Milan. According to Sky Sports, Barca agree to lend Ibra year.

Stoner Fastest, Rossi Complaining

Valentino Rossi failed to record the fastest time in free practice session of the MotoGP Indianapolis, Friday, August 27, 2010. Fiat Yamaha rider was just sitting at number five with a record time of one minute 41.623 seconds.

Sitting as the fastest rider Casey Stoner of Ducati with a time of one minute 40.884 seconds. Jorge Lorenzo, Nicky Hayend, and Dani Pedrosa in a row sat the position of two to four.

Lewis ‘Dickhead’ Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton’s theatrics landed him in the trouble as he was fined by the police for showboating on a Mercedes-Benz E500 while in the Australia. The British driver, currently in the employment of McLaren-Mercedes Formula one team, was fined US $444 after being stopped by the local police.

The 2010 Australian Grand Prix was surely a race to forget for Hamilton who came sixth and more embarrassingly, 29.8 seconds behind his underdog team mate Jenson Button who claimed the pole. With his off track behavior, the McLaren-Mercedes driver has been dragged into the limelight for all the wrong reasons.

The embarrassment for him doesn’t end here, as the 2008 champion was called a ‘dickhead’ by the Australian Politician Tim Pallas, who happens to be the roads minister for Victoria. The rather blunt title is not down to some deep routed prejudice against the superstars; it is part of a government backed campaign for safe driving which carries the bold slogan ‘don’t be a dickhead’

The driver didn’t personally appear at his hearing in the Melbourne, probably because he had already confessed beforehand to the offense of the reckless driving and was thus convicted with the guilty plea. Thus, an offense that took place back in March has finally been accounted for. It can be argued that such high profile superstars, given their fame and influence, do merit a higher degree of responsibility on their part. Commenting on the whole saga, Hamilton claimed, "I have found this very upsetting because I am passionate about road safety and I do voluntarily carry out activities to promote international road safety, particularly among young adults."

Australian driver and fellow Formula1 compatriot, Mark Webber offered a more empathic front by criticizing the strict laws of Victoria that leave little margin for cutting loose a time or two – ‘A Nanny State’. While some might consider it a bold move standing up for a foreign driver and championship rival; putting the sense of national road security in the backseat was rather naïve of the Aussie driver.

Spies shoots hoops and pre-empts announcement on future

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider took part in the Indianapolis Red Bull Grand Prix basketball themed pre-event, and also said an official announcement on his ride with the factory team for the next season would be made over the weekend.

Ben Spies will be one of the three American premier class riders going for home glory this weekend at Indianapolis, and before the serious on-track business began the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider took part in the official pre-event at the Indiana Pacers’ home basketball court on Thursday.

The rookie met former Pacers centre Rik Smits, an avid motorcycle fan, who gave Spies some tips on how to shoot the perfect hoop. “I’ve had a lot of fun and it’s been great being able to meet the Rik Smits, who was a great player back in the day. I wish I could play a little bit more with him but I don’t want to hurt my ankle any more!” said Spies. “It’s one of the great perks we get to do before the race and business starts tomorrow.”

Having placed sixth at the Laguna Seca five weeks ago in the first of two U.S. rounds on the calendar Spies is targeting a result that would reward the support given by a passionate home crowd.

“This weekend I have American fans behind me so it’s as special this year as Laguna was,” said Spies. “For an American race I want to have my best results of the year in front of home fans. We’ll try as hard as we did at Brno and we just hope everything comes together so the home fans have something to cheer about. We’ll try to do the best we can.”

With Yamaha Motor Racing MD Lin Jarvis having confirmed at the Brno test last week that negotiations were underway for the Spies’ graduation to the factory team in 2011, the rider said that an official announcement would be made this weekend.

“It’s one of those worst kept secret things, but it will be coming out in the next couple of days,” he explained. “There will be an announcement and I look forward to next year for sure, it’s going to be good!”

Singapore's YOG Heroes Photo

Singapore Sports Council Photo

Real Madrid determined to meet AC Milan at the Champions League group stage of Europe 2010/2011.

Real Madrid determined to meet AC Milan at the Champions League group stage of Europe 2010/2011. Both are included in the Group G Champions League when drawing held in Monaco, Friday (27/8/2010) early days.

Yes, the giant Spanish seems to be working hard through the group's most prestigious tournament the Blue Continent. Foster children in group joined Jose Mourinho's Group G aka hell that will confront them with other European champions, AC Milan and Ajax Amsterdam. The only non-winning teams in this group is the French club, Auxerre.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur, the British representative directly facing serious opponent in the group stage. Themselves to ensure the Champions League group stage after removing aggregate BSC Young Boys 6-3 in round play-off squad besutan Harry Redknapp would face defending champion Inter Milan in Group A.

Barca Fans cool Pictures

Barca Fans cool Pictures

Tiger Woods Admits Sadness Divorced

Same with the attitude taken by his ex-wife, Tiger Woods, the newly inaugurated open sound after divorce.

"It's my job. This is what I do," Woods said on the sidelines of the PGA Tour, Thursday, August 26, 2010, as reported by Shanghai Daily.

Woods and Elin Nordegren divorced after six years of marriage. Infidelity by Woods became the main reason for divorce. In an interview with the magazine 'People' Nordegren expressed sadness over the divorce.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in action

Operating AC Milan Zlatan Ibrahimovic get from Barcelona to make striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to revise its future. Hunter considers to migrate to the German club, Schalke 04.

Apparently, Huntelaar horrified by the arrival of Ibra. Certainly, competition in front of Milan's line will be increasingly hard because there are Alexandre Pato, Marco Borriello and Filippo Inzaghi.

Alonso 'excited but calm' ahead of Spa

Fernando Alonso looks to impress as the F1 season resumes in Belgium

Fernando Alonso insists that he is both excited but calm ahead of the resumption of the 2010 F1 season this weekend at the Spain.

The Spaniard heads to the Belgian Grand Prix on the back of a pair of top two finishes in the races prior to the summer break, which has brought him right back into the mix in the fight for the 2010 crown.

With just 20 points to leader Mark Webber, Alonso heads to Belgium this weekend looking to narrow that gap even further and the double champion said he was excited about the weekend ahead.

“I really want to get back on track, but in a positive sense, without any feeling of the anxiety, but in a very calm way,” the Ferrari driver said. “I am happy that the return to racing means going to two particularly special venues which host the Belgian and Italian Grands Prix. The Belgian track is possibly the most appealing of the entire season, while Monza will be something special for me, given that it will be my race debut as a Ferrari driver in front of the Italian crowd, in addition to the circuit itself having played such an important role in the history of motor sport.

“I have a good feeling following on from the positive results obtained in Germany and Hungary. As the saying goes, we have to keep the momentum and that should be our aim in Spa, to ensure we carry on the way we started just before the holidays. The Hockenheim and the Budapest results were important not just in terms of the classification in both championships, but also for the confidence it has given us. We have to keep pushing on this way.”

Pedrosa targets victory

Dani Pedrosa is targeting victory in this weekend's Indianapolis MotoGP race as he seeks to banish the memory of his crash in the same event 12 months ago.

On that occasion, the Repsol Honda rider appeared in a class of his own at the Brickyard, topping the timesheets throughout practice and qualifying before taking an early lead in the race.

However, disaster struck Pedrosa when he pushed too hard, too quickly and came off his bike.

Although he has no realistic chance of overhauling the 77-point deficit to championship leader Jorge Lorenzo during the balance of the season, Pedrosa says he will be pushing for victory on Sunday nonetheless.

"I'm going to Indianapolis in a very good mood and I'm feeling ready to finish the job we weren't able to complete in the race there last time," said Pedrosa, who finished second behind Lorenzo in the Czech MotoGP a fortnight ago.

"I felt really comfortable riding in Indy last year. I was on top of the timesheets from the first practice, I took pole position and the only mistake I made was in the race. So I hope this time we can put together a strong weekend and take another good result.

"We were fast and consistent at the last race in Brno and we'll be aiming to get straight back on that pace again this weekend."
Risk avoidance

Fiat Yamaha rider Lorenzo is likely to prove the major obstacle standing between his fellow Spaniard and victory, however, having yet to finish a race this season outside the top two.

The 23-year-old inherited the win at Indianapolis last year and also finished top of the podium the last time MotoGP travelled Stateside to Laguna Seca a month ago. However, he acknowledged that he has no need to take unnecessary risks this weekend.

Lorenzo said: "This weekend will be the second race in this country in 2010 and I am looking forward to it because I would like to repeat the same result as I got in Laguna!

"I just have good memories from America, last month in Laguna and last year in Indy. Last year was amazing, but this time I don't need to take too many risks. We can avoid it!

"Indy is a track that I like a lot and it has amazing history. The team and I are planning to continue our great season there this weekend."

Usain Bolt Will Move to Long Jump

Usain Bolt had planned to move numbers. The world's fastest human origin that Jamaica will be moved to the number or the 400-meter long jump.

"I really think I can be a good long jump athlete. I do not know if I agree to coach or not. Maybe he'll ask me to try 400 meters," Bolt said.

Burdisso Reject Proposal Juventus

Nicolas Burdisso Juventus reject the proposal. Inter Milan defender is still hoping to return to defend Roma after a successful joint I Giallorossi last season.

After helping Roma won the second position last season's Serie A, Inter's Burdisso had to return to after the loan period expires. But the Argentine national team defender seemed not over Rome.

Coulthard: Red Bull to win open title race

Former F1 racer and current BBC pundit David Coulthard says he feels that Red Bull will emerge on top of the pile at the end of the season – although the Scot concedes that the fight for the 2010 title is still wide open.

Just 20 points split the top five drivers - Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso - in the championship standings heading to Spa this weekend, while Red Bull is just eight points clear of McLaren in the constructors' championship – with Ferrari fighting hard to try and bring itself back into contention.

It raises the prospect of a fascinating end to the season but Coulthard said he felt it was Red Bull who would come out on top.

“With the top five drivers all separated by just 20 points, less than the prize on offer for a race win, it's fair to say the championship could go any number of ways come Abu Dhabi on Nov 14,” he told the Daily Telegraph, “and for the British public the dénouement will be especially interesting.

“McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are still right in the hunt; there is the prospect of a first ever title for the Milton Keynes-based Red Bull team. And the return to form of Ferrari just prior to the summer break has added a whole new dimension to the run-in, especially given the fact that the Italian team is the only one openly favouring one of their drivers over the other.

“So who is my money on? As I am fond of saying, racing drivers have balls but unfortunately they aren't crystal. Purely in performance terms, however, I feel both championships are Red Bull's to lose.”

While he added that a number of circuits still to come this season would play to the strengths of Red Bull's RB6, Coulthard was quick to point out that anything could still happen.

“Hamilton, Button and Alonso have all won world championships and that experience will count for a lot,” he said. “McLaren or Ferrari might introduce some new gimmick that throws everything up in the air.

“Luck will play its part too. You never know what is going to happen in this sport. That's why we love it.”

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Rossi aims to be “back on good form” at Indy

The reigning World Champion hopes that the steps taken at the Brno test last week can help him to make a return to the podium this weekend.

Valentino Rossi returns to the scene of one of his previous 78 premier class wins this weekend as the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix serves up the next chapter in the 2010 World Championship.

The Fiat Yamaha rider won at the Brickyard in its inaugural MotoGP race in the 2008, an event affected by the Hurricane Ike, but then suffered his only DNF of last season at the U.S. circuit in a reverse of the fortunes.

Now, after a fifth-placed finish at Brno in the previous round, Rossi is determined to get back on the podium as he targets a strong finish to the campaign and an improvement on his current Championship position of fifth in the standings.

“Brno was disappointing but the test helped us to understand what went wrong and so we are hopeful that we can be back on good form in Indy,” said Rossi, who is chasing a second victory of the season after his first-round win in Qatar and subsequent injury troubles.

"Indianapolis is a special place, an amazing track and as always it's fun to race in America. I have great memories from the 2008 when I won in the hurricane, even if it's not something I want to repeat! This year we arrive in a different situation to last year, fifth in the Championship and not at 100% in physical condition, but I am feeling stronger all the time,” added the 31 year-old.

The Italian’s Team Manager Davide Brivio is also expectant after the progress made in the Brno test. He said: “The test after Brno was useful and we hope to be in good shape this weekend. It's always a pleasure to go racing in such an amazing place and we just need to keep working to put Valentino in the best possible position to start fighting for the victories again as soon as possible."

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Absent Balotelli in Contra Timisora Second Leg

Manchester City's new striker Mario Balotelli certainly absent in round Play-Off second leg against Timisora Europa League. The match was scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 26, 2010 in the City of Manchester Stadium, England.

Balotelli Timisora injured as minister in the first leg which took place on 19 August. It is expected that the former Inter Milan striker had been able to graze on this weekend against Sunderland.

F1 2010 driver salaries revealed – who earns most?

The annual list of the F1 salaries has again been published, with two world champions topping the list and a driver who is not even competing on the grand prix grid this year – coming in at third place.

The report – published by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo and citing information compiled by Business Book GP – revealed that Ferrari star Fernando Alonso is on a retainer of some €30 million, supplemented by his external endorsements.

That is almost twice the salary that the Oviedo native's former team-mate and sworn rival currently Lewis Hamilton earns at the McLaren-Mercedes, whose €16 million pay packet is virtually the same as what World Rally Championship convert Kimi Raikkonen is receiving as the Finn continues to benefit handsomely indeed from his early Ferrari pay-off.

Next up is Felipe Massa on €14 million – notably, less than half of what team-mate Alonso is on – with defending F1 World Champion Jenson Button fifth on €9 million, just ahead of the Mercedes Grand Prix's Michael Schumacher, whose €8 million remuneration is arguably generous indeed for the comparatively poor on-track return that the German legend has provided on his desperately disappointing comeback to active competition thus far this year.

In a laudable policy of equality, however, Schumacher's team-mate Nico Rosberg is on exactly the same retainer with the Renault F1's Robert Kubica – in many observers' eyes, the star of the season to-date – on €7.5 million.

A significant surprise if the findings are accurate, is that both Williams' ultra-experienced veteran Rubens Barrichello is on more money at €5.5 million than either current world championship leader Mark Webber or Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull Racing, with the Australian perhaps similarly unexpectedly receiving more than the German with €4.2 million to €2 million – though both are understood to be on substantial bonus agreements for every victory notched up.

Lotus Racing's Jarno Trulli also outpoints Vettel in the basic salary stakes on €3 million, with team-mate Heikki Kovalainen on a basic retainer of around €2 million, Timo Glock for fellow F1 2010 newcomer Virgin Racing on €1 million and Williams rookie Nico Hülkenberg on €700,000.

Bringing up the rear of the list are Sauber duo Pedro de la Rosa and Kamui Kobayashi on €500,000 apiece, Renault's Vitaly Petrov and Scuderia Toro Rosso pairing Jaime Alguersuari and Sébastien Buemi on €400,000 each and Force India's Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi and Virgin new boy Lucas di Grassi all on €200,000. The final 'paid' driver, Hispania Racing's Bruno Senna, is on just €150,000 – or, to put it into perspective, roughly 200 times less than Alonso.

The figures make Ferrari comfortably the highest spender of the year in terms of the driver expense, with (€60 million) or without (€44 million) Raikkonen taken into consideration, as the full list below shows. The ranking on the far right is current championship position

Drivers:

1. Fernando Alonso Ferrari €30m 5th
2. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes €16m 2nd
3. Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari €16m N/A
4. Felipe Massa Ferrari €14m 6th
5. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes €9m 4th
6. Michael Schumacher Mercedes Grand Prix €8m 9th
7. Nico Rosberg Mercedes Grand Prix €8m 7th
8. Robert Kubica Renault F1 €7.5m 8th
9. Rubens Barrichello Williams F1 €5.5m 11th
10. Mark Webber Red Bull Racing €4.2m 1st
11. Jarno Trulli Lotus Racing €3m 19th=
12. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Racing €2m 3rd
13. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus Racing €2m 19th=
14. Timo Glock Virgin Racing €1m 19th=
15. Nico Hülkenberg Williams F1 €700,000 15th
16. Pedro de la Rosa Sauber €500,000 17th
17. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber €500,000 12th=
18. Vitaly Petrov Renault F1 €400,000 12th=
19. Jaime Alguersuari Scuderia Toro Rosso €400,000 18th
20. Sébastien Buemi Scuderia Toro Rosso €400,000 16th
21. Adrian Sutil Force India F1 €200,000 10th
22. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India F1 €200,000 14th
23. Lucas Di Grassi Virgin Racing €200,000 19th=
24. Bruno Senna Hispania Racing €150,000 19th=
25. Karun Chandhok Hispania Racing €Nil 19th=
26. Sakon Yamamoto Hispania Racing €Nil 19th =

Hayden returns to scene of sole Ducati podium

Despite an impressive start to the 2010 MotoGP season, which saw four fourth-places from the first five races, Nicky Hayden will doubtless be disappointed to be returning to the scene of his debut Ducati podium - at his home Indianapolis round this weekend - without any further top three finishers to his name.

The American has been very close, most notably at the round one in Qatar (+0.011) and Silverstone (+0.217) - and he also beat team-mate Casey Stoner fair-and-square in the first two races they both have finished this season.

But Stoner has regained the initiative with five podiums in the last five rounds and Hayden, who could be confirmed as a 2011 Ducati rider alongside Valentino Rossi this weekend, will be fired up to continue his perfect podium record at Indy - having finished second in 2008 and third in the 2009.

"I really can't wait to get to Indy for the race," said Hayden. "It's such a famous track with so much history and being so close to my home I got a big crew making the trip to support me and my brother [Roger, racing in the Moto2 event].

"The event has really grown a lot in just a few years with the Indy mile dirt track, enduro cross, the stunt shows and all the downtown events, which really gives the fans a chance to make the trip worthwhile."

Hayden chipped his wrist in a practice fall at the previous Brno round, but insists the injury won't be a problem this weekend.

"My broken wrist is better than last week in the Brno, which I am very happy about, so we'll see on Friday just how much better. The weather looks good so I hope to come out strong from the gun on Friday and have a weekend worth remembering. Let's get it!" he declared.

"This is one of the most important races of the year for Nicky and definitely the one he looks forward to the most," added team manager Vittoriano Guareschi. "He finished third last year and considering the big steps forward he has made this season, coming close to the podium on the several occasions, we hope he can be celebrating a similar result."

Hamilton in Actions

McLaren Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton was fined 500 Australian dollars. Hamilton was found guilty for speeding near the circuit of Albert Park, Australia in March 2010.

Verdict by Judge Clive Alsop in Melbourne Magistrates Court. Hamilton also accused of using influence and position to carry the offense.

Official Tiger Woods and Wife Separate

Nine months after the affair revealed, Tiger Woods finally separated from his wife, Elin Nordegren. This separation was announced the two sides through joint statement.

"We are sad because this marriage is over. And we pray for the best for each other," said the statement quoted by the Deccan Herald, Tuesday, August 24, 2010.

This statement was born after the divorce proceedings that took place in Bay County Circuit Court, Panama City, Fla., Monday, August 23, 2010. Not explained how the amount of property that will be obtained gono gini Elin for this divorce.

F1 signs sponsorship deal with UBS

Formula 1 has secured a fresh boost with the major financial services company UBS announcing on Monday that it has chosen to become a global sponsorship partner of the sport.

UBS conducted a detailed evaluation of the worldwide sponsorship opportunities and decided that F1 offered it the best opportunity to fulfil its desire for the global reach and brand awareness.

The deal announcing that UBS has become a global partner will be formally launched at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Oswald Grubel, UBS Group Chief Executive, said: "UBS has been searching for a global sponsorship platform that has appeal to our clients, promotes our brand globally and makes good commercial sense.

"Our new partnership with one of the largest and most popular sporting organizations in the world will fulfil all these criteria, and it constitutes a key element of our newly launched branding activities. The global reach of the F1 complements the many local activities we support."

Lorenzo: Yamaha eager to beat Rossi

Jorge Lorenzo says Valentino Rossi's move to Ducati gives him and Yamaha "great motivation" to beat his current team-mate in 2011.

Rossi has signed a two-year deal with the Italian manufacturer and Lorenzo is eager to show that he can defeat the seven-time MotoGP world champion.

"Yamaha will do its maximum to beat him; more speed and engine power will be needed but we will work harder than ever," said Lorenzo. "Next season will be a very interesting championship."

The Spaniard has shared a difficult relationship with the Rossi as team-mates, with a wall separating the riders in the Yamaha garage.

"I didn't like the wall," Lorenzo said. "I would have expected more of the Rossi from the human side, rather than a bigger exchange of technical information. He unintentionally made me a favour, however, because he has made my team even closer together, and I now go even better since I don't have access to his telemetry.

"I've never felt nervous about the idea of fighting against Rossi. I knew I had to learn, improve and work hard. I've watched the races on TV since I was 10 and have learnt something from riders in every class. From Valentino I've learnt how to manage the race on and off the track much better."

Rossi will be replaced at the factory Yamaha team by current Tech 3 rider Ben Spies next year, and Lorenzo predicts that his relationship with the American will be less volatile.

"I can feel we will have a good relationship with Ben," he said. "Perhaps we won't be best friends, but there won't be a wall in the garage and we won't keep our telemetries secret."

Ferrari in Pictures