The Indonesian government is putting up 15 million euros in a bid to secure an F1 drive for Rio Haryanto in 2016.

The 22-year-old, who finished fourth in this year's GP2 championship, has his eye on Manor, a move which will have been boosted by news of his government's bid to back him.

Imam Nahrawi, Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sport, has issued a letter following a meeting in Jakarta with Haryanto's manager Piers Hunnisett.

"Regarding to our discussions with Rio Haryanto and his management, we are pleased to confirm that the Ministry of Youth and Sport of The Republic of Indonesia will guarantee a payment of 15 million euros for Rio Haryanto to compete in the 2016 Formula 1 World Championship with the Manor Formula 1 team," it read.

"The payments will be made via several instalments in return for the branding space on the race cars and drivers race wear plus a host of promotional activities to promote Indonesia and associated companies."

Manor, which will use Mercedes engines next season, has yet to name its drivers, and while Will Stevens, Alexander Rossi and Roberto Merhi will be hopeful, Jordan King and (Mercedes DTM champ) Pascal Wehrlein are also thought to be in the frame.

Haryanto, who drove the Virgin in the 2010 end of season test in Abu Dhabi, and the Marussia at the Young Driver Test at Silverstone in 2012, drove the Manor in the recent tyre test at the Yas Marina circuit.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by petes, 18/12/2015 1:20

"He's the new Maldonado then......oodles of money, courtesy Government."

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2. Posted by f1fan, 14/12/2015 11:48

"That 15 million Euros can be used to help douse the forest fires that Indonesia has. Those fires causes an air pollution to other countries such as Singapore, etc. What a waste to spend that kind of money for a #4 racer in GP2. "

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3. Posted by White Lightning, 13/12/2015 23:07

"And people in this world are dying every day of preventable illnesses."

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4. Posted by copy_dude, 13/12/2015 15:28

"Astonishing amount of money for any Government to spend on one (1) citizen. (Indonesia, pop. 255 million.)

I wonder where this would come in the league tables of State Sponsorship? I think I read on Pitpass, years ago, that Tiago Monteiro set something of a record at the time. Not as if the Portuguese Gov had money to burn.

Petrov I believe was also largely state funded for his time at Lotus and Caterham . . . something to do with Russian Helicopters?

I suppose some people think F1 is worth it . . .

"

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Indonesian government backing Haryanto F1 bid

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