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Manor confirms driver change, offers Haryanto reserve role

Manor has officially announced that Rio Haryanto is being replaced as a full-time driver for the team, adding that the Indonesian has been offered a reserve role.

Rio Haryanto, Manor Racing

Rio Haryanto, Manor Racing

XPB Images

Rio Haryanto, Manor Racing
Rio Haryanto, Manor Racing MRT05
Rio Haryanto, Manor Racing MRT05
Rio Haryanto, Manor Racing MRT05

Haryanto has partnered Pascal Wehrlein in the 12 grands prix of the season so far, but, heading into the summer break, was reported to not have the funding together to complete the campaign.

As such, Manor has now opted to sign a different driver - believed to be Esteban Ocon - to the line-up for the rest of the season.

"Rio has been a much-valued member of our team since January, when we signed a contract with him for this season," said Manor Racing's Director Dave Ryan.

"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."

While Manor "will shortly be announcing a new teammate" for Wehrlein, the team has offered Haryanto to step into a reserve driver role.

The British team already has one reserve in Alexander Rossi, and a development driver in Jordan King, who competes in F1's support series GP2.

“We are very pleased to continue our support for Rio’s Formula 1 ambitions, by offering him a reserve driver role for the rest of the current season. We very much hope that he will accept that offer.”

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