Rio Haryanto has taken the second seat at Manor for the 2016 season. All teams have now announced their driver line-up.
Rookie Indonesian Rio Haryanto has secured the last seat on the 2016 starting grid. The 23-year-old will be racing for Manor alongside fellow rookie Pascal Wehrlein. Haryanto finished fourth in the GP2 series last year, scoring three race wins during the season. He also brings an estimated £10million in sponsorship, backed by the Indonesian state oil company.
Haryanto was positive for the future, and was quick to highlight the progress Manor have been making over the winter. “Manor Racing is a team with an exciting vision and ambitious plans. They have produced a great package and I can’t wait to get in the car.”
He was also quick to thank his fans for the support they’ve shown thus far is his career. “Melbourne will be a huge moment for me, my country, supporters and fans and 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.”
Stephen Fitzpatrick was quick to play up the strengths of Haryanto, and the impression he made on the GP2 championship last year. “He’s tenacious on and off the track and made a big impression on last year’s GP2 battle.”
Both Manor drivers will be in action on the first Pre-Season test, taking place on Monday the 22nd of Febuary. Haryanto has also confirmed he will be racing under the number 88, while Wehrlein will race under the number 94.
The 2016 Grid in Full.
Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton & Nico Rosberg
Ferrari: Sebastian Vettel & Kimi Raikkonen
Williams: Valtteri Bottas & Felipe Massa
Red Bull: Daniel Ricciardo & Daniil Kvyat
Force India: Nico Hulkenberg & Sergio Perez
Renault: Kevin Magnussen & Jolyon Palmer
Toro Rosso: Carlos Sainz & Max Verstappen
Sauber: Marcus Ericsson & Felipe Nasr
McLaren: Jenson Button & Fernando Alonso
Manor: Pascal Wehrlein & Rio Haryanto
Haas: Romain Grosjean & Esteban Gutierrez
Feature Image credit: Manor F1 Press release.
