Manor racing director Dave Ryan says Rio Haryanto has “opened a lot of people’s eyes” with his recent performances and wants Indonesia to help retain his seat.
Haryanto is backed by the Indonesian government and helped secure his seat through different initiatives ahead of his debut season with Manor. There is currently uncertainty over whether Haryanto will see out the season with the team as work continues to fulfil his contract, but Ryan says he has been impressed with the rookie and wants to retain him as part of the driver line-up.
“Rio has a contract with us,” Ryan said. “Everyone is working hard on it and we’re really hopeful that it’s going to carry on. He’s backed by the Indonesian government so quite a bit of it is down to them but Rio is a a great addition to the team.
“He’s performed really well, opened a lot of people’s eyes really. He’s doing a superb job and we’d just like to be in a position for it to come right for him really. He just needs a few things to come his way but he’s done some great jobs. He’s qualified really well at times, he’s got a good understanding of the car, and he’s quick. But it’s all just got fall into place.”
Asked if there is a deadline for Haryanto to secure his seat for the rest of the season, Ryan replied: “There may be, I’m not aware of it to be honest.
“But we’re working hard. I’m aware everyone is working very hard on it and I’m very hopeful it will carry on.”
Haryanto has qualified well in recent races but tends to struggle at the start, which Ryan agrees is on of his weaknesses at present.
“I think that’s fair comment. There’s a few little areas he needs to work on. He tends to lose a little bit too much time under blue flags as well.
“That’s probably the biggest weakness, once he starts getting a blue flag situation he tends to lose too much time on that. It’s pretty tricky actually when you’re getting blue flags to figure out how to do it without losing too much time and without disadvantaging the driver who is coming through.
“So that’s where he has to work more than anything. Once we get to a blue flag during a race he loses out badly, but he’s aware of that, we’re working on it and a few more races I’m sure that will be a thing of the past.”
And Ryan says the trouble with blue flags has masked Haryanto’s true pace as he often finishes a race further back than he is capable of.
“Yeah, but you’ve got to look beyond that. As I said he’s a lovely lad and he’s doing a good job. We really want him to stay. Indonesia really does need to get behind him because he’s well worth a place in the team, that’s for sure.”
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