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Rio downgraded to reserve driver in Manor
Rio Haryanto - JP/Wendra AjistyatamaThe Formula One euphoria ended a little too soon for Indonesia, as Rio Haryanto lost his Manor Racing Team driver’s seat to Esteban Ocon of France after failing to meet his contractual obligations
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Rio Haryanto - JP/Wendra Ajistyatama
The Formula One euphoria ended a little too soon for Indonesia, as Rio Haryanto lost his Manor Racing Team driver’s seat to Esteban Ocon of France after failing to meet his contractual obligations.
Rio will stay with Manor for the rest of the season as a reserve driver.
“Some time ago, his management indicated that they were experiencing difficulties honoring the obligations of that contract beyond the Hungarian Grand Prix,” racing director Dave Ryan said in a statement.
“Rio’s team has 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,” he added.
Rio, who made a €15 million (US$16.78 million) deal with Manor before racing the 2016 season, could not deliver the remaining €7.5 million until end of the first-half season.
The paid €7.5 million came from €5 million in financial support from state-owned oil company Pertamina and €2.5 million of family money.
Initially, the paid amount only allowed Rio to race up to the first-half of the season, which ended with the Hungarian GP on July 24. Later, through lobbying, Manor gave Rio another chance as he was permitted to race the German GP on July 31.
“Unfortunately we reached a point where, in the best interest of the team, we were forced to explore other options for the remainder of the season,” said Ryan.
Indah Pennywati, Rio’s mother, expressed her disappointment over the decision.
“We’re sad, of course. But, there is nothing we can do because we’ve failed to deliver the remaining money, which actually had been reduced from €7.5 million to €3.5 million as Manor has earned more sponsors,” Indah told The Jakarta Post.
Nevertheless, Indah is focusing on the bright side.
“Yes, he lost the main driver’s seat, but as a reserve driver he’ll still be in the Formula One environment, which is good for his career.
“We hope Rio reenters the Formula One race in the 2017 season,” said Indah, adding that Rio’s management will approach the private sector for sponsorship for the 2017 plan.
Rio raced in 12 series throughout his debut in the 2016 season. He did not collect any points — with his best finishing position at 15th in Monaco.
Replacing Rio, Manor has signed Esteban Ocon of France to race alongside Pascal Wehrlein for the remaining nine rounds of Formula One.
“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,” said Ocon as quoted by the race’s website, formula1.com.
“I’m ready for this exciting step up, thanks to the experience I’ve gained as a Formula One reserve driver this season,” he added.
Ocon will make his formula racing debut in the Belgian Grand Prix on Aug. 28.
Mercedes junior, Ocon was a reserve driver for the Renault Sport F1 Team alongside his 2016 DTM championship drive with Mercedes-AMG. Prior to that, he won championships in GP3 Series in 2015 and FIA Formula 3 in 2014.
