Salo celebrates best result of 2000

The Finn, who always excels in the principality, held off his former Formula Three rival Mika Hakkinen for the last 15 laps as the double world champion fought back after earlier problems.

"I've always had good races at Monaco and today was no exception," said Salo. "I knew Mika Hakkinen was closing of course, but there was no way anybody was coming past me in those final laps.

"I knew that he would find it very tough to overtake here but I made extra sure I didn't leave the slightest gap or make any mistakes. An enjoyable race for me and for the team, who really deserved this result."

"We all know it is extremely difficult to score points in Formula One today, but to score them at Monaco is even sweeter," added team boss Peter Sauber. "It must have been very satisfying for Mika to withstand such strong pressure from the World Champion, the 'other' Mika."

Salo's team-mate Pedro Diniz crashed out on lap 31. He had started in the T-car after becoming involved the first lap collision at the original start.

"There was nothing I could do to avoid running lightly into the back of Jenson Button," he explained. "The car was undamaged but I had to run back for the T-car. I must be the fittest because I beat all the other guys to the pits!"