Manor working on securing Haryanto’s future

Rio Haryanto’s days in Formula 1 could be over, but Manor racing director Dave Ryan has said that keeping hold of the Indonesian driver for the rest of the season is the team’s top priority.

Haryanto, who is the first driver from Indonesia to compete in Formula 1, is sponsored by state-owned oil company Pertamina, but it is believed that he was only funded until last Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

Pertamina has shelled out $5.48 million to support Haryanto’s Formula 1 dream, but that dream may now be over. According to reports in the Indonesian media, Haryanto needs to secure 15 million euros to remain in Formula 1 this season, and it is unclear whether the 23-year-old will receive the funds needed.

With the German Grand Prix scheduled for this weekend, Ryan confirmed that Manor have a number of back-up plans if Haryanto is unable to feature at the event.

“We’ve got Rio on-board and we’re working with Rio’s management and we’re doing everything we can to secure his drive for the rest of the year,” Ryan told reporters. “Yes, we’ve got a Plan B, we’ve got a Plan C, we’ve got a Plan D.

“Of course we have options and we have ideas. But plan A is to keep Rio in the car so that’s the intention.”

Haryanto is well aware that his time in Formula 1 could be up, but he is still directing his attention towards the German Grand Prix.

“For my side I’m right now focusing only for Germany and the team is also focusing for Germany,” he said.