As the F1 world looks across the Atlantic before the European season gets underway in earnest, the infamous Horse Whisperer sets his sights on speculation over Ferrari's wage bill.

"This strange 2012 Spring is drawing to a close, but some things never change," writes the Horse Whisperer as the teams prepare for their journey to Canada. "Roses bloom in the garden, the smell of jasmine fills the air and, how could it be any different, journalists' thoughts turn to the question of how much sportsmen earn.

"Of course, there's plenty of interest in Formula One drivers and, as usual, all sorts of airy-fairy figures are bandied about. Just arrived, but it's surely not the last is something called "Business Book GP 2012." This august publication would have Fernando Alonso earning 30 million Euro per year, or almost the same as the two McLaren drivers put together.

"A shame then that it's an other case of utter balderdash," continues the Whisperer, "that shows once again that those who compile these lists, usually like to quote themselves and each other, like dogs chasing their own tails, always putting Ferrari on top when it comes to money, whether it's referring to driver salaries or budgets.

"Things ain't what they used to be we are told," states the Maranello enigma, though in fact it's Fings ain't what they used to be, "but, when it comes to money, the song remains the same: Ferrari spends more than anyone.

"A shame then that the reality is very different, as those who work in the business know only too well."