Driveline problem ends Haryanto's weekend early

Rio Haryanto's debut race weekend for Manor was ended early by a driveline problem in the Australian Grand Prix.

Saturday saw Haryanto suffer a pit lane collision with Romain Grosjean which earned him a three-place grid penalty for his first ever F1 race, causing him to start last on the grid. The race was more encouraging as Haryanto ran ahead of Esteban Gutierrez early on before Gutierrez was involved in a big crash with Fernando Alonso which caused the race to be halted.

During the red flag period, Haryanto's car was wheeled in to the Manor garage and he didn't return due to a driveline issue.

"My race was short but really positive," Haryanto said. "I made a good start, the pace was strong and I was happy with the way I was managing the gap to the cars around me. Obviously I’m disappointed not to finish my first Grand Prix but I know the team are disappointed this happened.

"Everyone is really starting to work well together so I’m sure we’ll be on top of things for Bahrain. It’s been a mixed weekend; some positives, some things we need to learn from.

"Problems aside, my debut weekend was really special and the support I’ve had from the crowd here and everyone back in Indonesia has been incredible. I hope for a better reward for us in Bahrain.”

REPORT: Rosberg beats Hamilton after huge Alonso crash

AS IT HAPPENED: 2016 Australian Grand Prix 

2016 F1 season: Team-by-team preview

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Eric Silbermann

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