Salo back for Gold Coast V8 race

Finland’s ex-Formula One driver Mika Salo will have another crack at winning the Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercars crown in October after a tyre puncture ruined his chances last year.

Ford Performance Racing announced on Monday the veteran of 111 F1 grands prix will team up with championship contender Will Davison for the second straight year on the streets of Surfers Paradise.

Held on the weekend of October 19-21, the event features the 28 V8 regulars partnered with international drivers to compete in a pair of 300km races.

Salo and Davison finished second in the first race last year and were well poised to grab the spoils in race two before a puncture meant they dropped out of contention.

“I am really happy to be coming back to the Gold Coast,” Salo said, “I have unfinished business.

“Will and the team are going really well so far this season so I am very confident we can again be at the front.”

Last year’s Gold Coast 600 was a catalyst for FPR to put together a strong run of success.

Mark Winterbottom teamed with Northern Ireland’s Richard Lyons, a late replacement for Australian IndyCar driver Will Power, to claim the Sunday race win and the team has not been off the podium in the 10 events since.

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