![\"Vijay-Mallya-1\"](\"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/gallery\/f1-2013-rif-images\/f1-2013-persons\/Vijay-Mallya-1.jpg\")
As many teams struggle financially at present, the power wielded by so-called pay-drivers – drivers whose sponsorship dollars speak louder than their achievements – has intensified.<\/p>\nVijay Mallya says he will continue to resist going down the ‘pay driver’ path for his own formula one team.<\/p>\n
As many teams struggle financially at present, the power wielded by so-called pay-drivers – drivers whose sponsorship dollars speak louder than their achievements – has intensified.<\/p>\n
But although Adrian Sutil brings some backing to the team, Force India boss and co-owner Mallya insists he will always select drivers on the basis of their talent.<\/p>\n
“It sends a very wrong signal to the team to take pay drivers — I always consult my engineers and the technical director on the selection of drivers,” he is quoted by AFP news agency.<\/p>\n
Believed to be referring to the choice between German Sutil and the Ferrari-linked rookie Jules Bianchi, Mallya added: “This was particularly true for 2013 when we had a choice of two and finally we went with Adrian Sutil.<\/p>\n
“That was largely because the key technical people in the team said ‘let’s go with him’.<\/p>\n
“I did not want them to feel that all the efforts in producing a competitive car were going to be compromised on track because I had chosen a driver who wasn’t the best available.<\/p>\n
“I have not gone with pay drivers, I’ve gone with drivers of talent and that policy will stay,” he insisted.<\/p>\n
This weekend at Monza, a new reserve driver will get to work for Force India, running in Friday morning practice.<\/p>\n
24-year-old James Calado, a frontrunner in the GP2 series, told British broadcaster Sky he hopes the new role leads him to the F1 grid.<\/p>\n
“It’s my only chance, probably, to show what I can do and hopefully be in line for a race seat in 2014,” he said.<\/p>\n
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