Jean Alesi, who turned down Ferrari's offer to replace Michael Schumacher, criticised Ferrari's decision to hire Finn Mika Salo for the job.

Speaking to the Italian RAI TV station, Alesi said he found the choice "awkward" and that Ferrari's test driver, Luca Badoer, would have been a far better choice. "Ferrari's decisions are none of my business, but in my opinion there is no contest between Badoer and Salo - For me, Badoer wins hands down," he said.