27/07/2016
NEWS STORY
Following months of speculation, in recent weeks it looked as though Rio Haryanto's time in F1 was up as his funding finally dried up.
"We've got to be positive and hope Rio will be in Germany," his manager, Piers Hunnisett, told Reuters over the Hungary Grand Prix weekend, raising fears the Hungaroring event might be his last.
"We've had many promises which haven't come true," he revealed. "We must keep working hard and it is our plan to be in Germany."
As numerous drivers are linked with the seat, Manor tonight confirmed that Haryanto will continue this weekend.
"Everyone has been incredible and my sincere thanks for that," said the Indonesian driver. "The team have been very supportive and also the fans, so I'm really happy that I will be racing here.
"It's a big weekend for the sport, returning to Germany and also the final race before the summer break, so I intend to put all the speculation regarding my future to one side and concentrate on the racing.
"We're working as hard as possible on the future behind the scenes, but that's where I want to keep that side of things for this weekend."
According to Reuters the total funding needed is around 15 million euros (£12.5m), with the driver's main backer, the state-owned oil company Pertamina, having already provided $5.48m (£4.1m).
"We are in contact with various companies in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore," said Hunnisett, "especially in the future, races coming up in Malaysia and Singapore could be good for us. They're like home races for Rio. As the only representative in Formula One from Asia, you hope the whole of the Asian community can get onboard."