08.06.2004 Maserati Reparto Corse kicked off a three day test program at Monza this morning with former F1-driver Mika Salo getting behind the wheel of the MC12 for the first time

Maserati Reparto Corse kicked off a three day test program at Monza this morning with the MC12 sportscar.

Significantly, former F1 star Miko Salo was the driver, finally getting behind the wheel of the GT racing destined 6.0-litre V12 racer, a debut originally scheduled for Paul Ricard last month.

The Finnish driver completed 89 laps of the famous circuit, long time home of the Italian Grand Prix, posting a best lap time of 1:45.380.

Born in Helsinki, Salo ended his F1 career with Toyota in 2002 after a Grand Prix journey that also took in Tyrell, Arrows, BAR, Sauber and Ferrari. He has since driven in Champ Cars, but is now looking to build a future in sportscar racing. He has a close relationship with Jean Todt having been drafted into the Ferrari team to replace the injured Michael Schumacher in 1999. It has not been forgotten that the German Grand Prix was his for the taking before he was ordered to move over to allow Eddie Irvine to claim victory for Ferrari.

The car’s development programme continues tomorrow at this track when Mika Salo will be joined by Ferrari Maserati Group sports test driver, Andrea Bertolini.

Circuit: Autodromo di Monza – 5.793 km, Driver: Mika Salo, Car: Maserati MC12, Weather: air temperature 20/29 °C, track 25/38 °C; clear skies.