NOVEMBER 8, 2002

The future of Mika Salo

Mika Salo announced he would follow compatriot Mika Hakkinen into retirement after Toyota decided that they no longer needed his services after two development years with the team, but his announcement was due, in large part, to the betrayal he felt from Toyota and not because he felt his racing career should be over.

Renault boss Flavio Briatore has reportedly asked Salo to test for his team in 2003 and back up regular drivers Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso. Salo was chosen by Toyota because of his experience, and he is regarded as a talented test driver. During his nine year career, the Finn has driven for Lotus, Tyrrell, Arrows, BAR, Ferrari and Sauber before joining Toyota.

Salo may also be weighing his options in America if he wants to continue to race rather than test. A seat in CART is more likely than one in the rival IRL for the thirty-five year old who has never competed on an oval.