Ferrari hires Mika Salo

[Eki]

He will be their test driver, according to Iltalehti and MTV3:

Ferrari palkkasi Mika Salon - "Ajan autolla lähiaikoina" | Formulat | Iltalehti.fi (http://www.iltalehti.fi/formulat/2012030515285618_fo.shtml)

[RS]

Really?

Have I just fallen through a wormhole 10 years back in time?

[jens]

When I read the title, I thought Salo is going to test a Ferrari sportscar. But an F1 car? Shocking! And even though it's just a publicity/media event, then why Salo and no-one else?

[AndyL]

Trying to recapture the spirit of the 2000's when the test driver was a washed-up journeyman but the car was good?

[steveaki13]

This links in well with the Italian drivers thread.

It is worrying for F1s future with limited testing, when Ferrari hire Salo rather than any up and coming drivers.

These yougnsters have less and less oppotunities now with F1 teams sticking with the older drivers longer (De La Rosa, Schumacher, Barrichello (until this year)). They are a sfaer bet than an Alguersuari or whoever.

A strange move, but as said above a publicity stunt. I heard Eddie Irvine will race if Massa gets injured or keeps crashing. :p :

[Eki]

This links in well with the Italian drivers thread.

It is worrying for F1s future with limited testing, when Ferrari hire Salo rather than any up and coming drivers.

These yougnsters have less and less oppotunities now with F1 teams sticking with the older drivers longer (De La Rosa, Schumacher, Barrichello (until this year)). They are a sfaer bet than an Alguersuari or whoever.

A strange move, but as said above a publicity stunt. I heard Eddie Irvine will race if Massa gets injured or keeps crashing. :p :
The news said that Salo works well with technicians and knows more about the car and its technology than up and coming drivers.

They want experience in testing, not potential future stars. Those they can buy later from other teams when they're ready.

[Knock-on]

Ohhhh, I thought he was to replace Massa :D

[RS]

The news said that Salo works well with technicians and knows more about the car and its technology than up and coming drivers.

They want experience in testing, not potential future stars. Those they can buy later from other teams when they're ready.

But this is at a time when there is no testing... Is he also reserve driver?

[janneppi]

Ferrari was probably exited about his skills in analyzing crap handling tuner cars he drives in his tv show. :p :

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-p-unmFNnU/TWUTFQkyVZI/AAAAAAAAA2c/xLvn2oAJpQU/s1600/viritt%25C3%25A4j%25C3%25A4t1.jpg

[jens]

Considering that Salo's F1 experience dates back to 10 and more years, I don't think his knowledge is particularly valuable for a current F1 team any more. Can't see this deal meaning serious development work, unless it involves sportscars. Salo is bound to be more like an ambassador, like for example Alesi is for Lotus Cars.

[DexDexter]

Salo is always exaggerating things; this probably means he's going to test the Ferrari seat.

[tfp]

Salo is always exaggerating things; this probably means he's going to test the Ferrari seat.

Or have a go in the simulator :D

[Eki]

But this is at a time when there is no testing... Is he also reserve driver?
The news said he will test in Japan during the Australian GP. I guess private testing is allowed.

[driveace]

Last photo I saw of Salo,it looked as if he been eating a few meat pies !!!

[Mia 01]

Last photo I saw of Salo,it looked as if he been eating a few meat pies !!!

Most of us does.

I like Salo, he has guts and is a former ferrari driver.
And, a finn is a finn, and they are very much needed at ferrari thoose days it seems.

[DexDexter]

The news said he will test in Japan during the Australian GP. I guess private testing is allowed.

The "news" story was written by a Finnish journalist who knows nothing about F1 and tabloid newspapers (who also don't know anything about F1 either) jumped in and published the "story". Salo is going to drive an old Ferrari once in a promotional event.

[Eki]

The "news" story was written by a Finnish journalist who knows nothing about F1 and tabloid newspapers (who also don't know anything about F1 either) jumped in and published the "story". Salo is going to drive an old Ferrari once in a promotional event.

Yep, it's said here that he's only going to drive a vintage Ferrari in a show in Suzuka:

TS: Salo ei testaa - ajaa Ferrari-tapahtumassa - Ilta-Sanomat (http://www.iltasanomat.fi/formula1/ts-salo-ei-testaa---ajaa-ferrari-tapahtumassa/art-1288453191396.html)

[ArrowsFA1]

My cockpit for tomorrow. Ferrari F10 chassis 284. I feel very comfortable in the car, can't wait to drive it
Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/MBrundleF1/status/177002753510477824)

[DexDexter]

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/MBrundleF1/status/177002753510477824)

There is something fishy going on in Maranello since they are hiring these old F1 drivers to test. Must be the complicated car they have. :D :D

[SGWilko]

The "news" story was written by a Finnish journalist who knows nothing about F1 and tabloid newspapers (who also don't know anything about F1 either) jumped in and published the "story". Salo is going to drive an old Ferrari once in a promotional event.

Someone should tip-off The Sun paper here in Blighty - that sounds just the type of Fleet Street hack they employ.....

[Jefe Máximo]

Is it 2000?


If he'd said no, wonder if they'd have gone to Irvine.

[odykas]

Who's next, Luca Badoer? :p :

Old school rocks :cool: