Haryanto in dire need of €7 million as deadline looms

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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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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.