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

[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. :

[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. :

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

[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. :

[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.