18/02/2016
NEWS STORY
Manor has confirmed that Indonesian youngster Rio Haryanto will partner Pascal Wehrlein this season.
Following weeks of speculation, whilst the young driver took to the stage at a press conference in Jakarta, Manor Racing took to Twitter.
"Great news!" the Banbury outfit declared. "We've signed Rio Haryanto to our second seat. Our young & hungry 2016 line-up is complete."
"We are delighted to announce Rio as our second race driver for 2016," said Stephen Fitzpatrick, the team's owner, in a subsequent statement. "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.
"His 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."
"Manor Racing is a team with an exciting vision and ambitious plans," added Haryanto. "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," he added, "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."
The signing of the four-time GP2 winner also completes the 2016 grid, just days ahead of the first pre-season test.