Sutil, Bianchi front-runners for Force India seat

Germany’s Adrian Sutil and Frenchman Jules Bianchi are front-runners for Force India's second Formula One race seat but the decision is about more than just the highest bidder, the team said on Friday.

Deputy principal Bob Fernley said the team’s shareholders would take a long-term decision with 2014, when a new V6 turbocharged power unit is due to replace the existing V8 engine, and beyond in mind.

A decision, on what is the only remaining vacant seat with an established points-scoring team, was likely before the start of the second pre-season test in Barcelona on Feb 19.

“In 2014 we are into a completely different era and we need to have drivers that we feel are going to be capable of developing the car through,” Fernley told reporters at the launch of the new VJM06 car.

“We need performance but we also need the development ability. And it's about bringing the right person in to do all of that and getting the long-term stability.”