Salo Ready to Start Testing Again

Finn driver Mika Salo said he is in perfect condition after recovering from the accident he suffered at the Paul Ricard circuit while he was testing for the new Toyota Formula One team.

Salo was driving around the French track on March 25, when he hit a wall after braking at the end of the Mistral straight, and the Finn was forced to stop testing due to some back pains. However, after nearly two months, Salo is ready to get behind the wheel again.

"My back is completely back to normal following the crash at Paul Ricard six weeks ago," Salo said, "and although the next test was planned for Allan (McNish), I hope to get some laps in as well."

Toyota is scheduled to test again at Paul Ricard at the end of May, and after that session ends, the Japanese outfit will move to Italy, where they will test at Imola and Monza in order to acquire data.

Toyota, the world's third biggest manufacturer, will make their Grand Prix debut in the 2002 season, while they will spend this year carrying out an intensive test programme with Salo and Scot driver Allan McNish.