Dedicated to Holland's greatest racing driver
Mika SALO
Born 1966, Finland
Salo sprung into F1 in 1994 with Lotus towards the end of that season. Ken Tyrrell signed Salo for his line-up for 1995 at Tyrrell and Salo immediately impressed, often out-qualifying and out-racing his experienced team mate, Ukyo Katayama. Salo and Katayama both stayed at Tyrrell for the next two seasons. Katayama was dropped from Tyrrell for 1997 and in came Verstappen. Salo and Verstappen struggled with the under-powered Tyrrell and Salo managed the teams best position of that season, 5th at Monte Carlo whilst Verstappen managed a best of 8th at the same race. Since their partnership in 1997, Verstappen and Salo have remained good friends. Salo joined Arrows for 1998 and easily over-shadowed his team mate, Pedro Diniz scoring a handful of points. Salo had to sit out season '99 until a substitute role became available at B.A.R. but no points were scored. Later that season Salo would have his best break of his F1 career, stepping in for Michael Schumacher after the German broke his legs at the British Grand Prix. Salo did well and helped Ferrari by acheiving a high of 2nd position - his best position in his entire F1 career. After the exciting session with Ferrari, Sauber assigned him for 2000 and Salo scored points on four occasions. The Finnish racer then joined Toyota as their test driver for 2001, developing their first ever F1 race car for season 2002. Racing for the Japanese team in 2003, partnered with Scot, Alan McNish, he scored their only points-scoring position, overshadowing his team mate. However, regarded by Toyota for under-achieving, his contract was never renewed and had no choice to retire from F1 in 2003. He then entered motor racing in the U.S.A.. For 2005 he returns to F1 a part-time test driver for Ferrari, the team he raced for in 1999.
