McLaren not to impose drivers on Force India

New Delhi:

McLaren management said they might suggest preferred drivers for their new partner Force India but made it clear that they would never try to impose their will on the Vijay Mallya-owned Formula One outfit.

Force India yesterday announced its new 'ground-breaking partnership' which would see the Silverstone-based outfit running on Mercedes engines and using gearbox and hydraulic systems provided by McLaren.

Subsequently, speculation was rife that McLaren might push for the appointment of Paul di Resta and Pedro de la Rosa in place of Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil for the next season.

Speaking to autosport.Com, McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh, however, made it clear that everything would be discussed with Force India but it was Mallya who would eventually be calling the shots.

"There's nothing off bounds in this partnership," Whitmarsh said, when asked if McLaren would suggest new drivers.

"Vijay has shown a lot of confidence in his commitment and investment in this partnership and us. We'll sit down and talk about every aspect of the programme, and that extends beyond the process development and the powertrain. We've got to work together on all those things," he said.

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