$7.7m Sato one of F1’s highest earners

(GMM) Despite racing near the very back of the Formula One grid, Japanese driver Takuma Sato is reportedly among the sport's highest earners.

Following the revelation that his 2007 Super Aguri teammate Anthony Davidson will earn about $250,000 next year, the Spanish newspaper 'Marca' contends that Sato's annual salary – including sponsorship endorsements – is around the (US)$7.7m mark.

Estimates earlier in 2006 said back to back world champion Fernando Alonso would make $7.2 million in 2006, although his salary at McLaren next year is to be reportedly higher.

If the Sato calculation is accurate, meanwhile, it would mean that the 29-year-old is also more annually lucrative than names including David Coulthard, Mark Webber, Jenson Button and Giancarlo Fisichella.