Salo Thinks Positive Before Bar Test.

Mika Salo is looking forward to his run with the British American Racing team, and expects to go well at Imola if required to replace Ricardo Zonta.


The Brazilian is expecting to hear today whether or not he can race in the San Marino GP, but BAR will give Salo a chance to test at Jerez later this week in case the news is bad. The Finn, who parted from the Arrows team before the 1999 campaign began, is sure that he can help the team end its run of misfortune.


"I'm glad to be able to have the chance to drive a good car," he said, "I think it's quick, but the team has been unlucky and had some problems. I think I can help them a lot with the car, though, and I've always had good races at Imola. It should take about two laps [to get used to the car], although it should have more power than any other I have driven before."


"It's not a competition between Jacques and me," Salo continued, making reference to the friendly rivalry between himself and his new Canadian team-mate, "It's just good fun to have the chance to race again."


Salo will run for all three days of the Jerez test if Zonta is ruled out of the San Marino race, but will share duties with regular test driver Patrick Lemarie if the Brazilian is given the all clear.