17/02/2016
NEWS STORY
In the wake of a report in the British media that Will Stevens has lost his Manor drive to Rio Haryanto, the Indonesian driver has scheduled a press conference for tomorrow.
The 23-year-old has been in talks with the Banbury-based outfir for several months now, seemingly flush with backing from the Indonesian government and state oil company Pertamina.
Indeed, it is Pertamina that has called tomorrow's press conference at which it is thought the three-time GP2 race winner will be confirmed as teammate to Pascval Wehrlein.
Haryanto tested with the Banbury team at the Abu Dhabi test last December, having previously driven the Marussia at the Silverstone in-season test in 2012 at which point he became be eligible for his superlicence.
2015 was the Indonesian youngster's best season in GP2, the former Formula BMW Pacific champion finishing fourth overall.
Earlier this week it had been rumoured that three drivers, Haryanto, Stevens and alexander Rossi might share the second seat at Manor.
With testing due to begin next Monday, it's fair to say that the Banbury team will be keen to complete its line up as soon as possible.