Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsManor

Haryanto impressed with popularity back home

On the eve of his second race as a Formula 1 driver, Manor rookie Rio Haryanto heads to Bahrain in a positive frame of mind, hopeful of progressing once again along his learning curve.

The 23-year-old Indonesian was sidelined with transmission problems after just 17 laps in Melbourne, but still took away many positives from his F1 baptism of fire.

"My debut was an incredible experience and one I’d waited a long time for, so I tried not to dwell too heavily on retiring," Haryanto explained.

"There were too many positives to take away from the weekend so that’s what I did. On a personal level I was quite happy with my pace and how I translated everything I’d learned at the tests into a race weekend context.

"I know the team were disappointed with the problem that ended my race but it’s all about looking forward and there’s so much more to come."

As the first driver in the history of F1 to emerge from Indonesia, Haryanto has developed a popular following in his home country where he returned to after Australia.

"It’s really quite something to have that many people rooting for you. The appetite for Formula 1 in Indonesia is huge now and it makes me feel very proud to know that I’m flying the flag."

"I went home to Solo in Indonesia. Everyone wanted to hear about the racing so I got to relive the experience again and again!

"It’s my job to reward the support by sharing every detail of the experience with the fans back home, so there was a lot of media work and some appearances, and a little bit of time to prepare for Bahrain."

The Manor driver will be pursuing his apprenticeship at Sakhir this weekend and will also race for the first time in the desert under the floodlights.

"My first night race will be pretty special! Generally though, I think the weekend here will be a lot smoother and I’ve got some really good experience to draw on in every area.

"Most of all, I can’t wait to see the chequered flag!"

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.