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Born in
Finland on 30 November 1966, Mika Salo began his go-karting career at
the age of just six. At eleven he won the first of his six national
titles. After a stint in Formula Ford, he moved onto Formula 3 where
he triumphed in six races in the English series.
The following year Salo opted to race in F3000 in Japan. His great
form attracted the attention of Lotus who engaged him for the final
two races of the 1994 Formula 1 Grand Prix season, at Suzuka and
Adelaide.
From 1995 to 1997 Salo raced for Tyrell where he came fifth five
times. He made a switch to Arrows in 1998 in whose colours, at Monaco,
he drove superbly to finish fourth.
1999 was a big year for Salo. After taking the place of Ricardo Zonta
at BAR for the Grand Prixs, the Finn took a call from Ferrari to
substitute an injured Michael Schumacher. In the Maranello single-seater
Sato could have scored his first GP win, at Hockenheim, but gave way
to Irvine as he was going for the championship. With Ferrari he
secured second in Germany and third at Monza.
In 2000 he signed a contract with Sauber and a year later was taken on
by Toyota to develop the F1 car that would make its debut the
following year.
In 2003 the Finnish driver decided to leave Formula 1 and take part in
the Le Mans 24 Hour with the Audi R8 from the Audi Sport UK outfit. He
also competed in the Champ World Car Series (previously known as CART
championship) in the USA in a PK Racing Lola. He made the podium in
Miami.
Salo, in 2004, made a big contribution to the development of the MC12
and the Ferrari 575 GTC, destined for use in the FIA GT. It was in
this car that the Finn earned a splendid second place in the recent
Spa 24 Hour, together with Vosse, Babini and Peter.
He is married to Noriko and they live with their two childrens in
Switzerland. He loves rock music, strumming the guitar and having fun
on his mountain bike and snowboard. His drink of choice is milk and
pasta his favourite food. |
