13/12/2015
NEWS STORY
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.