It was announced yesterday that Mika Salo will drive for British American Racing at the Monaco Grand Prix on May 16. The 32-year-old Finn will once again stand in for regular 555 World Racing Team driver, Ricardo Zonta, who suffered foot injuries in a heavy crash during practice for last month's Brazilian Grand Prix. Salo will also join regular driver, Jacques Villeneuve, at a test session scheduled for the Nogaro circuit, on May 7-8.

Zonta's injuries are reported to be healing well, but the young Brazilian has been advised by medical specialists in Sao Paulo to allow the damaged tendon in his left foot a little more time to mend completely. After conferring with the team, Zonta decided that rather than rush his return to the cockpit, he would "sit out" the Monaco race.

"We're sorry that Ricardo won't be fit enough to race in Monaco, but I'm sure it is the right decision," said British American Racing Managing Director, Craig Pollock. "We obviously want to see him back in the car as soon as possible, but the important thing at this point is that he should not let his heart overrule his head on the decision about when to start racing again. His doctors have told him it would not assist his overall recovery were he to race at Monaco, and he has reluctantly agreed to accept that advice.

"Mika did a great job for the team at Imola, and in testing at Jerez the week before the San Marino Grand Prix, and we're pleased that he will once again be able to stand in for Ricardo."

Salo was classified a promising seventh in Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix and might have finished even higher had a suspected engine problem not intervened. He is regarded as something of a Monaco Grand Prix "specialist", having finished fifth for Tyrrell around the streets of the famous principality in 1996 and 1997, and fourth for Arrows last year.

"I don't know why I've tended to go well at Monaco in recent years," he commented. "I love the atmosphere there during Grand Prix week and I really enjoy the driving precision and concentration that is required by such a demanding street circuit, so maybe it's just because I have been able to go into the event feeling relaxed and with a 'nothing-to-lose' kind of attitude. Whatever the reason, I'm looking forward to driving for British American Racing once again. As we showed in the San Marino Grand Prix, the car has a lot of potential, and Monaco is often full of surprises. It would be great to get the team's first points."