Mika Salo has departed tonight from the BAR team in Barcelona, since BAR's driver Ricardo Zonta, who was injured in a 150 kmph crash in his native Brazil on April 9th, is finally declared fit to race following an FIA medical test. He will be rejoining the team at the Canadian Grand Prix in two weeks.

Salo had mixed emotions. "Of course I am very pleased for Ricardo and the BAR team. They are a very professional group and it has been a marvellous experience for me – the first time that I have driven for a leading team," he said. "I know that they have massive potential and will soon be challenging for the top. I want to thank them for giving me this chance and I hope that I will be able to work with them again one day in the future."

BAR team manager, Craig Pollock, acknowledged Salo, who finished 9th in today's Spanish Grand Prix, saying, "I would like to thank Mika on behalf of the whole team, for his great drive and commitment in the three races in which he has replaced Ricardo Zonta. We wish him all the best."