Manor Racing confirms Rio Haryanto as second Formula 1 driver
Manor Racing has confirmed Rio Haryanto will make his Formula 1 debut with the team in 2016, completing the field for the upcoming season, as predicted by Autosport
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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