Haryanto lands second Manor seat

Rio Haryanto has secured the last available 2016 F1 race seat by signing for Manor Racing where he joins German hopeful and Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein.

The GP2 racer has landed the drive thanks to a financial package rumored to be worth £10M and which includes the support of his Indonesian government.

"Manor Racing is a team with an exciting vision and ambitious plan," said Haryanto.

"They have produced a great package and I can’t wait to get in the car. Melbourne will be a huge moment for me, my country, supporters and fans and I want to thank everyone who’s been with me since I started in single seaters; 2016 is my chance to reward that faith and represent Asia in F1."

The 23-year-old's credentials include three wins in GP2 over the last four seasons, and a championship best of fourth which was achieved last year with Campos Racing.

Haryanto's association with Manor isn't a first as the Indonesian raced for the British outfit in GP3 back in 2010.

Team owner Stephen Fitzpatrick was equally delighted to take on his new recruit.

"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."

Manor's decision to entrust its second seat to Haryanto unfortunately means that the team's 2015 drivers, Will Stevens and Alexander Rossi, are now left out in the cold for 2016.

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