Charles Pic insists he's off to Caterham this season because of his talent and not his sponsorship package.
The French driver had a solid debut season in Formula One, impressing people who like to bet on F1 by achieving a best result of P12 at the season finale in Brazil just days after Caterham announced that he'd be joining them for 2013.
Pic's move to Marussia's main rival, which surprised bookmakers like Paddy Power, has been dogged by comments of 'pay driver' with suggestions that he only landed the race-seat because of his financial backing.
"This is a question that journalists love to ask," the 22-year-old told Le monde.
"To be honest I do not think a driver only gets an offer thanks to his sponsors. He gets it because of his performances.
"The first factor is always the quality of the driver, his speed, his ability to control the car.
"After that it is the sponsors. That is part of Formula One, which is a sport that promotes brands."
As for his Caterham deal, Pic revealed that is a multi-year contract.
"This is a contract that runs for several years, not just one but over a long term. I cannot give more details."
