Just another race for Salo
Finland’s Mika Salo insisted today that he was treating Sunday’s final race of his career just like any other grand prix.
The 35-year-old will bring his 110-race career to an end in Japan after deciding to retire from Formula One having been released by Toyota despite having a contract for 2003.
“I'm not feeling anything special to be honest,” said Salo, who has dyed his blond hair blue after arriving in Suzuka. “It will be just like any other race.
“Maybe when testing starts again or Melbourne (first race of season) comes around then it will feel strange but at this point it is just like any other race for me.”
Salo, who made his debut in Japan with Lotus in 1994, added he wants to carry on racing in other
formula but has not decided which yet.
“I'm going to wait until I have finished this race and then have a nice holiday then sometime in November see what I have on the table,” added Salo, who also drove for Tyrrell, Arrows, BAR, Ferrari and Sauber.
“I still love driving but I want it with a little bit less stress. I have spent 20 days at home this year and that is too much travelling for me.
