Davidson not willing to be pay driver

BAR test driver Anthony Davidson is hoping to secure a race seat for 2003 but he is not willing to become a 'pay driver' to be on the grid. The term refers to those who have paid their way to get into Formula One rather than being picked on talent ...

BAR test driver Anthony Davidson is hoping to secure a race seat for 2003 but he is not willing to become a 'pay driver' to be on the grid. The term refers to those who have paid their way to get into Formula One rather than being picked on talent alone. However, in today's problematic financial climate, teams are sometimes looking for more than just skill behind the wheel.

Anthony Davidson.

Photo by Minardi Formula 1.

Justin Wilson is in line for a drive with Minardi next year but reportedly needs to find ?3million to bring with him. Jordan recently revealed that Takuma Sato's future with the team depends on him securing financial backing but if someone with a bigger bank balance comes along, Sato could well be out.

Davidson has been in talks with Jordan but refuses to be put in the same situation as fellow Brit Wilson: "Unless we can pay the 3 million like Wilson it's not on," he said at testing in Barcelona. "It would not be worth it, and we don't have it. As soon as you are a paying driver you are a paying driver forever."

"We are not going to pay for a drive. We were in talks with Jordan, but it's not looking too promising any more. I think they are still keen on me, but it all comes down to money. But it is going to be a tough decision for Eddie Jordan to make whatever driver they put in the car."