Wednesday March 1st, 2000

Finland's Mika Salo is concerned that British Formula One newcomer Jenson Button could endanger other drivers when he makes his debut in Australia next week.

"I hope he can handle it because if he can't he will hurt himself or somebody else," said Salo of the 20-year-old Williams recruit.

The Finn was testing with his Sauber team at Italy's Fiorano track on Wednesday before heading to Australia for the season-opening grand prix on March 12.

"Testing F1 and racing F1 are two different things," added Salo. "When you are testing you are alone, when you are racing you have 21 other cars around you."

This time last year, Salo was dumped by the Arrows team in favour of Japan's Toranosuke Takagi.

The break turned out ot his advantage, freeing him up to replace first injured Brazilian Ricardo Zonta at BAR for three races and then Michael Schumacher at Ferrari for six outings after the German broke his leg at Silverstone.

Following his impressive performances, which included second place after leading for Ferrari in Germany, Salo secured a drive for this season with the Ferrari-powered Swiss Sauber team.

Button replaced Italian Alex Zanardi in January and should become the youngest Briton ever to compete in Formula One.

He competed in British Formula Three last season and has yet to compete in Formula One or make a racing pitstop.

Button missed testing last week because of a back injury but tested in the rain at Silverstone on Tuesday.