Manor has officially made the decision to terminate Rio Haryanto’s contract to drive with the team in 2016. Haryanto made history by being the first Indonesia Formula One driver, but it was known for some time that his contract had not been fully funded and that he would be dropped from the team at the halfway point. The empty seat will be filled by Renault reserve driver, Esteban Ocon.
Haryanto joined Manor shortly before the start of the 2016 season, having been the final driver to be announced for the grid. He had received a large financial backing from the Indonesian government and other state-run companies and his contract was contingent upon these companies paying the sum of money agreed to in his contract. As news broke about the government forming a crowd funding telecommunications campaign to help fund the venture, his future in Formula One beyond the halfway point of the season became doubtful. Manor extended Haryanto’s contract for the German Grand Prix so that they could use the summer break to find a good replacement. Although it was inevitable, the news of Haryanto’s contract termination was confirmed by the team today.
“Rio has been a much-valued member of our team since January, when we signed a contract with him for this season,” explained Dave Ryan, the team’s racing director. “Some time ago, his management indicated that they were experiencing difficulties honouring the obligations of that contract beyond the Hungarian Grand Prix. Rio’s team have worked tirelessly to try to resolve that situation with his Indonesian backers and we have supported those efforts as much as possible, including allowing Rio to race in Germany. Unfortunately we reached a point where, in the best interests of the team, we were forced to explore other options for the remainder of the season.”
To fill the seat, Manor has recruited Esteban Ocon. The 19 year old has been serving as the reserve driver for the Renault F1 Team and has taken part in some of the practice and test sessions this season. He has been competing in the DTM championship and has also won the Formula 3 and GP3 championship titles.
Esteban Ocon expressed his thanks to everyone that helped to make his Formula One racing debut possible:
“I’m thrilled that I’ll be making my Grand Prix debut with Manor Racing later this month, and at Spa, of all circuits, which is the next best thing to my home race. I’m ready for this exciting step up, thanks to the experience I’ve gained as a Formula 1 Reserve Driver this season. I’d like to thank Renault Sport F1 Team and Mercedes-Benz for working together to make this happen, and to Manor Racing for the opportunity, which I’m going to grab with both hands. I’ve visited the Manor Technical Centre already, for my seat fit and to meet with the wider team, so we’ll be ready to hit the ground running after the summer break. They’ve done a great job this season and I’m excited that I’ve been tasked with helping them to build on that progress. I can’t wait to get started!”
Haryanto isn’t entirely out of Formula One, as he will maintain a position on Manor as a reserve driver for the remainder of the 2016 season. Meanwhile, Ocon will make his Formula One racing debut after summer break at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Haryanto Will Drive In Germany
Government Seeks Funds For Haryanto’s Contract
