Heikki Kovalainen splashed out 300,000 euros of his own money last night to help AIDS victims in Cambodia.

Lotus Racing driver Kovalainen was the highest bidder at a charity auction in Monaco that raises money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

It had been suspected Lotus boss Tony Fernandes was the bidder, but after the event Kovalainen confirmed: "It is my money but Tony pays my salary."

He added: "I have been looking to do something for a long time. This is a good cause."

Kovalainen's investment covers half of the funds required to build 320 homes for 1,760 adults and children living with the illness, with the remainder coming from EJAF.

There were seven lots overall at the Amber Lounge event, including a pair of black and white diamond cufflinks and a limited-edition diamond and rose gold Chopard watch with a crocodile leather strap.

The two items raised 50,000 euros each out of a total of 520,000.

Prior to the auction a number of Formula One drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Lucas di Grassi, Adrian Sutil and Timo Glock were present at a fashion show.

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