Toyota tipped to recruit Salo

Though Salo has never won a race in F1 in six seasons, he is still regarded as potentially one of the best drivers in the series. In addition, he has a high profile in Japan, due to having raced in Formula Nippon, and has a Japanese wife.

Salo's manager Mike Greasley is said to have strong links with Toyota F1 boss Ove Andersson through rally connections - Andersson was the boss of Toyota Team Europe, the successful rally squad, and Greasley has managed a number of rally drivers.

33-year-old Salo was linked with a drive with the stillborn Honda works team in 1998, but was left out in the cold when the team was shut down and Honda decided just to supply engines.

However, an impressive stint subbing for the injured Michael Schumacher for Ferrari in 1999 raised Salo's profile and served as a timely reminder of his talents.

However, Sauber has disappointed so far this season, and Salo may well relish the chance to drive for a team with a works engine again.