Long-term Caterham deal due to 'performance'

Jan.18 (GMM) Charles Pic has joined Sergio Perez in hitting back at the perception a growing number on the Formula One grid can be best described as 'pay drivers'.

Some believe drivers like Mexican Perez, backed by billionaire Carlos Slim and making the move to top team McLaren in 2013, and Frenchman Pic moved to the front of the queue due to the size of their backers' wallets.

Sergio Perez, McLaren F1 Team

Photo by: XPB Images

Pic, 22, has moved from Marussia to Caterham for 2013 and beyond, presumably in the place of the highly rated but unsponsored Finnish driver Heikki Kovalainen.

Asked how long the deal is for, he told French daily Le Monde: "It's a contract for several years -- I will not be on the team only for one season.

"But I cannot disclose the details."

Surely, say the cynics, the size of his backing was a key consideration as team owner Tony Fernandes and boss Cyril Abiteboul signed the paperwork.

"This is a favourite question of journalists," said Pic. "Frankly, I don't think it can be the only thing (that is reported). A driver gets an offer from a team due to his performance.

"Priority is given to driver qualities; speed and racing skills. Only then is attention paid to the sponsors, and so this factor should be treated differently."

Pic admitted, however, that money is important in F1.

"This is a part of our sport; Formula One has gained in popularity through the media and is used by large companies who need to promote their brands," he said.