Graeme Lowdon has denied speculation that Jules Bianchi's signing is in any way linked to Marussia possibly using Ferrari engines in 2014.
On Friday, Marussia confirmed that Bianchi had joined the team as Luiz Razia's replacement after Brazilian's sponsors failed to pay for his drive.
Bianchi, though, is reportedly paying less for his drive that Razia was expected to bring to the table.
This prompted speculation that Bianchi's link to Ferrari - and a sweeter engine deal for 2014 - had played a role in his signing.
Lowdon, though, denied this.
"Discussions on engines are taking place in our team like every team, but with every supplier," he told Autosport.
"This is very much an opportunity to put a young driver in who we think has got a good future."
He did, however, concede that Bianchi being a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy "can't hinder" the team's chances of securing Ferrari power but "it's not central to the thinking behind putting him in the car."
