Time is quickly running out for Manor's Rio Haryanto who looks less and less likely to be on the grid at Spa when Formula 1 resumes at the end of this month.
The young Indonesian's seat with the minnow outfit was secure until the Hungarian GP, with Manor extending Haryanto's deal for the German GP, but funding from his country's government and state-owned oil company Pertamina has now run out.
Indonesia's sports ministry spokesman Gatot Dewa Broto, while hopeful Haryanto would remain with Manor, gave a fairly clear hint that chances of this happening are now remote.
"We understand Manor’s concern but we hope Rio will not be replaced by another driver just because of funding issues," he told AFP.
When asked whether the government would be able to raise the money, Broto admitted: "We don’t really see that happening."
Haryanto's most likely replacement at Manor would be Mercedes protege - and Renault reserve driver - Esteban Ocon. The 19-year-old Frenchman currently races for the German manufacturer in DTM.
As Manor's engine partner, Mercedes will undoubtedly be calling the shots when it comes to nominating a new driver for the remainder of the season.
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