Haryanto gets second Manor F1 seat

    The Indonesian fended off competition from 2015 race drivers Will Stevens & Alexander Rossi to secure a seat alongside DTM champion Pascal Wehrlein.

    Published On Feb 18, 2016 05:36:00 PM

    1,845 Views

    Haryanto gets second Manor F1 seat

    Manor Racing has confirmed Rio Haryanto will make his Formula 1 debut with the team in 2016, completing the field for the upcoming season.

    The Indonesian fended off competition from 2015 race drivers Will Stevens and Alexander Rossi to secure a seat alongside DTM champion Pascal Wehrlein.

    It is believed Haryanto brings with him substantial backing from the state, creating a package that neither Stevens nor Rossi could match.

    "Manor Racing is a team with an exciting vision and ambitious plans," said Haryanto, who has chosen #88 as his race number.

    "They have produced a great package and I can't wait to get in the car.

    "Melbourne will be a huge moment for me, my country, supporters and fans.

    "I want to thank everyone who's been with me since I started in single seaters; 2016 is my chance to reward that faith and represent Asia in F1."

    Team owner Stephen Fitzpatrick added: "We are delighted to announce Rio as our second race driver for 2016.

    "Rio's been racing since he first got into a kart at six years old.

    "He's tenacious on and off the track and made a big impression on last year's GP2 battle.

    "Rio's huge following in Indonesia is great for the team and for F1.

    "They are keen to see him on the grid and we're confident that we'll see him enjoying some exciting battles in the year ahead."

    Haryanto will join Wehrlein in Barcelona next week for the first of two pre-season tests ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

    2016 F1 DRIVER LINE-UP

    Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg
    Ferrari: Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen
    Williams-Mercedes: Valtteri Bottas, Felipe Massa
    Red Bull-TAG (Renault): Daniil Kvyat, Daniel Ricciardo
    Force India-Mercedes: Sergio Perez, Nico Hulkenberg
    Renault: Kevin Magnussen, Jolyon Palmer
    Toro Rosso-Ferrari: Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz Jr
    Sauber-Ferrari: Felipe Nasr, Marcus Ericsson
    McLaren-Honda: Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button
    Manor-Mercedes: Pascal Wehrlein, Rio Haryanto
    Haas-Ferrari: Romain Grosjean, Esteban Gutierrez

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