Ford Performance Racing (FPR) has signed former Formula 1 drivers Mika Salo and Christian Klien to race for the team in October’s Gold Coast 600 race which will see all 28 V8 Supercar teams run an international co-driver alongside their regular drivers.
Salo and Klien join IndyCar frontrunner Will Power in the team for the Surfers Paradise street race giving the factory Ford squad a team full of experienced international drivers.
Finnish ace Salo raced in 111 Grands Prix for seven teams and famously handed certain victory in the 1999 German Grand Prix to team-mate Eddie Irvine when driving as a substitute for Ferrari.
Salo is set to partner Will Davison in the #6 Trading Post Racing FPR Falcon and will be making his second V8 Supercar start in late-October.
“Last year was my first time driving a V8 Supercar and the car was challenging to drive, but also a lot of fun,” Salo said. “This year’s race will be more interesting as every team will have an international driver so there will be a lot of people racing the cars for the first time.
”FPR builds a quick car and I look forward to driving for Ford’s official team. Over the years I have driven for many works outfits and their preparation and commitment is always very high.”
Klien will pair with Paul Dumbrell in the #55 The Bottle-O FPR Falcon and has strong links to the team as he is currently driving for Aston Martin Racing – run by FPR’s parent company, Prodrive.
“Racing in Australia is always a special event for me, having completed my maiden Formula 1 race there,” Klien said.
“My friends over there have told me that the Gold Coast 600 event is the highlight of the season, and I feel very proud to have been invited to take part. I simply cannot wait to get behind the wheel.”
FPR Team Principal believes the pair will be a good fit for the factory Ford team.
“I know Mika well from my time in Formula 1 and Christian is already part of the Prodrive family, so both will fit right into our team which will be crucial given they only have a day to adapt to the car,” Edwards said.
“When you add in Will Power to the mix all three of our cars have very strong driver line-ups so we are aiming to add a few more surf board trophies to our cabinet come October.”
The GC 600 is the 11th event of the 2011 V8 Supercar Championship and is scheduled to run between 21-23 October.