Toyota makes Salo offer.

Formula One new boy Toyota has apparently enquired after the availability of Finnish supersub Mika Salo for next season.

Although the Japanese giant has postponed its entry to the grand prix series until 2002, it is keen to get as much of its infrastructure in place before then, and is keen for Salo to partner Allan McNish on its testing strength. The Scot was signed to a research and development contract earlier this year, and Toyota now wants Salo to forgo his seat with Sauber to join him in the run-up to its first season.

Salo's offer is understood to guarantee him a season of racing in 2002 - something which McNish has yet to be offered - but is based on the fact that he will commit himself to another season out of a competitive cockpit next year. Having looked to spend a lot of 1999 on the sidelines, the Finn found himself in demand from both BAR and Ferrari and, having landed a full-time seat on the back of his race performances, is thought to be wary of giving it up.

The former Formula Nippon racer still has a high profile in Japan, and this is thought to have contributed to Toyota's desire to sign him. Sauber's potential in 2000, however, could yet prevent any deal from being concluded because, should the team finish in the top six constructors, Salo would, contractually, be unable to leave. The Swiss team currently lies equal seventh with three points - all scored by Salo.