Haryanto confirmed for 2016 Manor F1 seat
Rio Haryanto has secured the final slot on the Formula 1 grid for this season, after confirming on Thursday that he had signed a deal with Manor.
Rio Haryanto, Marussia F1 Team Test Driver
XPB Images
The Indonesian has been long linked with the Banbury-based outfit, and has had his efforts to raise the necessary funding backed by his government.
Following months of effort by his manager Piers Hunnisett to find the necessary support, Haryanto was delighted to have finally been able to secure his step up to F1.
Speaking at a press conference at the headquarters of oil company Pertamina, Haryanto said he was delighted to be joining the F1 grid.
Haryanto will join the team for pre-season testing at Barcelona in Spain next week, prior to his F1 debut with the team in Australia.
Manor owner Stephen Fitzpatrick said: "We are delighted to announce Rio as our second race driver for 2016. Rio's been racing since he first got into a kart at six years old.
"He's tenacious on and off the track and made a big impression on last year's GP2 battle. Rio's huge following in Indonesia is great for the team and for F1.
"They are keen to see him on the grid and we're confident that we'll see him enjoying some exciting battles in the year ahead."
Haryanto will use number 88 in Formula 1.
Haryanto's signing at Manor means that the team will field two rookies in F1 this year, having done a deal with Pascal Wehrlein earlier this month.
The full 2016 line-up:
Team | Engine | Drivers |
Mercedes |
Mercedes |
|
Ferrari | ||
Williams |
Mercedes |
|
Red Bull |
Renault |
|
Force India |
Mercedes |
|
Renault |
Renault |
|
Toro Rosso | ||
Sauber | ||
McLaren |
Honda |
|
Manor | Mercedes | Pascal Wehrlein Rio Haryanto |
Haas |
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