F1: Indonesia wants to buy open Manor seat for Haryanto
Indonesian GP2 driver Rio Haryanto is a favorite to land a Manor Formula One drive in 2016 after his government pledged 15 million Euros ($164.9 million) of support on his behalf – leaving American Alexander Rossi potentially fighting for the remaining seat.
Haryanto has been linked with the open seat for a few months. He drove for Manor Marussia in GP3 in 2010 and 2011, tested the team's F1 car back in 2012, and again at the recent Abu Dhabi Pirelli test.
In a letter addressed to Manor owner Stephen Fitzpatrick from Indonesia's Minister for Youth and Sport Imam Nahrawi released to the media, it says that the ministry has agreed to “guarantee a payment” to Manor. While the letter appears to only indicate intent and is clearly the first step to a proper contract, it would seem to suggest that the deal is going to happen.
Haryanto has spent the last four seasons in GP2. He finished 14th, 19th and 15th in his first three years but this season secured a respectable fourth, just a point behind third, having won three reversed grid Sunday sprint races in Bahrain, Austria and Britain. However, it's not yet clear whether he will qualify for a superlicence under tighter FIA rules introduced for next season.
Click here to view full letter from Indonesia's Imam Nahrawi
