MIKA SALO
Mika Salo competed with Mika Hakkinen in th Formula 3000 series which earned
the name "MIKA-MIKA" series in 1988 because between the two drivers they
had won almost all the races in the championship with Hakkinen winning
the Championship eventually.
The experienced Finn made his Formula1 debut with Lotus at the end
of the 1994 season. He then spent three years with Tyrell before moving
to Arrows in 1998. Mika Salo did not do so well in F1 and was written off
in 1999 when he wasent selected to drive for any team, but the God's were
shining on Salo when 1st he got a chance to drive for Arrows for a while
till dela rossa came on the scene, but his luck really changed when Micheal
Schumacher met with an accident at Silverstone and had to quit the season.
Ferrari not relying on thier test driver Badoer choose Salo and he
did not dissapoint when in only his second race he came second, He would
have won the race had he not have to give his position to Eddie Irvine
who was now a title contender against McLaren's Hakkinen.Mika Salo's favourite
circuit is the Monaco circuit and has done well on this circuit, but with
a car like ferrari, will do well in 99.
The year 1999 was a year to remember as not only did he get a chance
to drive Schumacher's ferrari but he also he got married, soon after he
joined ferrari. Seeing his performace, Salo was approached by six teams
to drive for them in 2000. He finnaly found the best deal with Sauber where
he took the experienced Alesi's place who left to drive for Prost.