31/01/2016
NEWS STORY
Despite claims that the Ministry of Youth and Sport of The Republic of Indonesia is backing Rio Haryanto's bid to secure a 2016 drive with Manor to the tune of 16 million euros, it is understood the requisite target has not been reached and the driver has to find the shortfall.
Whilst state oil company Pertamina has coughed up 5.2 million euros, the Youth and Sports Ministry has provided around 6.6 million, leaving a shortfall of over 4 million.
Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta, Youth and Sports Ministry spokesman Gatot S. Dewa Broto admitted that Haryanto must stump up 3 million for Manor as a down payment in order to prove his intent with the remainder being paid out in instalments.
"This week will be a critical time for Rio in entering F1," said Gatot. "We've done our best, we'll all see how it ends."
"We would like to express our gratitude to the government, Pertamina and State-Owned Enterprises, which has been very supportive of Rio reaching F1," said Indah Pennywati, the driver's mother, who is marketing director for Rio's management. "We are looking forward to good news from Manor Racing regarding Rio's participation by next week."
"I really hope for the best that my dream will come true," added the driver.
Manor has yet to name either of its drivers, though along with 2015 drivers Will Stevens and Alexander Rossi, Mercedes protege Pascal Wehrlein is also said to be under consideration.
Hopefully, recent additions to the backroom staff, including Nikolas Tombazis and Pat Fry, are indications of the team's intent, which means drivers should be recruited based on their talent as opposed to their bankrolls. If this isn't the case, Pastor Maldonado might also look good to the Banbury-based team.