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.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by petes, 19/02/2016 1:42

"@ f1khun.....guess you're still bemoaning Pasta's passing........"

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2. Posted by f1khun, 19/02/2016 1:20

"@edllorca: Yes he (his government) is paying for his seat, but who isn't?

You, we, all of us are paying for the Red Bull Drivers. If you love Ferrari and visit Ferrari world, you are paying indirectly to their F1 program. Many drivers bring their own sponsors or their countries industries. F1 isn't just about talent per-se. It's about money being available to make it happen. Youngster Verstappen brings a whole country into play with his on track antics and off track perfect son-in-law appearance. That makes money for his sponsors, whoever they are!

Indonesia has negotiated with Manor a specific Indonesia Promotion Campaign, in exchange for the government and state owned oil company (Pertamina) provided financial support.

However, Indonesia won't organize a F1 race any time soon: the hosting fees are too high. Singapore can do it, as their corporate exposure is on par with London and New York - they attract the visitors.

But Indonesia found a solid reason for a highly popular youngster to bring Indonesia closer in the spotlight as a holiday and business destination, and they pay for that privilege.

And, Haryanto did win 3 GP2 races in 2015 and ended 4th in the standings, beating more experienced teammate Arthus Pic with more then double the points, and ending the year only 1 point down to Sergei Sirotkin, who is also heavily sponsored.

Without money, no F1. Sorry bud. And Welcome Rio - go for it!
"

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3. Posted by edllorca, 18/02/2016 15:25

"Money over talent. Nice to know F1 is never changing..."

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Official: Haryanto joins Manor

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