According to latest news, British driver Will Stevens has been dropped by Manor for the 2016 season and supplanted by Indonesian Rio Haryanto. The 24-year-old has not scored a point after 18 grands prix begins.
It implies there will be three British drivers on the framework this year, with best on the planet Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, Jenson Button at McLaren and Jolyon Palmer at Renault. Haryanto said, “Manor Racing is a team with an exciting vision and ambitious plans. 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 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 primary race of the new season is in Australia on 20 March. Stevens secured the Manor drive a year ago through a sponsorship bundle accepted to be about £6m. Haryanto, who is realizing in £10m in sponsorship from Indonesia’s state oil organization, completed fourth in a year ago’s GP2 arrangement, winning three races. The 23-year-old said Manor had “created an incredible bundle and I can hardly wait to get in the car”. Manor’s proprietor, Stephen Fitzpatrick, said that he is diligent on and off the track and made a major impact on a year ago’s GP2 fight.”
Further he said, “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.”
DTM German Touring Car champion Pascal Wehrlein was named as Manor’s other driver a week ago. Stevens made his Formula 1 debut with an erratic drive for the now-ancient Caterham team at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Manor were fortunate the pace a year ago yet the Englishman could complete 14 of the 17 races he began. His best result was thirteenth spot at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Manor have battled at the back of the framework since entering the game in 2010 yet have another engine manage Mercedes for 2016. Team originator John Booth and President Graeme Lowdon left toward the end of last season with previous McLaren wearing chief Dave Ryan selected as racing executive. “He’s tenacious on and off the track and made a big impression on last year’s GP2 battle,” Manor owner Stephen Fitzpatrick.
