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Mika Salo… Another Flying Finn in Formula One
The 2002 season will see another Finnish-born driver flying around the world’s Formula One tracks. Mika Salo will drive Toyota’s first Formula One car. Salo, 35, began intensive testing for Toyota earlier
this year. His new car will be introduced this December in Germany. He is a highly-rated Formula One competitor who has driven for several other teams in the past. Salo will make his Toyota Formula One debut at the
Melbourne Grand Prix next March.
Salo was only six when he first went behind a wheel of a kart. When he was 11, he won his first Finnish National Karting Championship…one of four that he won in Finland.
Some of Salo’s other interests include hockey and playing the guitar. He is good friends with All Star NHL player Teemu Selänne of the San Jose Sharks.
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Overview of the Mika Salo Circuit Karting track.
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Salo raced in the F3000 series in Japan from 1991-94. He explains that this was a great training step that helped prepare him for the Formula One circuit. However, Salo is still involved in
karting. Several years ago, a karting track was built by the Finn-Power Group in Alahärmä, Finland, and was named the Mika Salo Circuit. Finn-Power designed and constructed the track
according to world championship requirements.
Salo not only contributed to Finn-Power’s track design but also hosts events during the year. “I think it’s the best karting track that I’ve ever driven on,” said Salo at the track’s
inauguration race in July, 2000.
The Mika Salo Circuit Track World Karting Championship will be held during next summer.

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