Haryanto could race in Germany despite lack of funding
Rio Haryanto may drive for Manor at this weekend’s German Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring even if his sponsorship for the second half of the 2016 F1 season does not come through.
Haryanto’s funding has now run out despite being contracted with the team until the end of the season.
This has led to speculation over the Indonesian’s future in the sport and that McLaren’s Stoffel Vandoorne could replace him for the remainder of the season.
Haryanto’s manager, Piers Hunnisett, believes the team could allow Haryanto to race in Germany and give them the summer break to find the required funding.
“I would hope that’s the case,” Hunnisett said. “Yeah, in my mind that would be a logical plan given the three-week break that follows.
“That’s what I’m thinking, and that’s what I’m hoping the team are thinking as well as it would give us some time.”
Manor’s racing director Dave Ryan says the decision will ultimately be up to owner Stephen Fitzpatrick on deciding Haryanto’s future.
“What you have to remember is Rio has a contract with the team through to the end of the year, and it’s up to them to honour that contract,” Ryan said.
“We’re giving them every opportunity to do that, and working with them to do it.
“We want Rio in the car as he is a great addition to the team, and we’d like to follow the project through.
“Ultimately it comes down to funding, and I’m one step away from where we actually are on that, but let’s just wait and see.”