Esteban Ocon replaces Rio Haryanto

Renault’s 19-year-old reserve driver Esteban Ocon has replaced Rio Haryanto at Manor for rest of F1 season

Manor have terminated Rio Haryanto’s contract halfway through the 2016 season and replaced him with Mercedes protégé Esteban Ocon.

The Reason of Indonesian rookie’s termination is believed to be his failure ‘to meet his contractual obligations’.

Indonesian Haryanto, 23, signed at the start of the season and was heavily backed upon his arrival in the sport but has failed to raise funds in recent months.

Following the Indonesian rookie’s failure ‘to meet his contractual obligations’ he has been replaced with 19-year-old and Esteban Ocon and has now been offered the reserve role.

“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,” said the Racing director Dave Ryan.

“We’re confident that when Esteban makes his Grand Prix debut in Spa, we will have a very potent line-up with which to take the fight to our immediate competitors for the rest of the season,” he added.

“I’m thrilled that I’ll be making my Grand Prix debut with Manor Racing later this month, and at Spa, of all circuits, which is the next best thing to my home race,” said Ocon. “I’m ready for this exciting step up, thanks to the experience I’ve gained as a Formula One reserve driver this season.

“I’d like to thank Renault Sport F1 Team and Mercedes-Benz for working together to make this happen, and to Manor Racing for the opportunity, which I’m going to grab with both hands.

“I’ve visited the Manor Technical Centre already, for my seat fit and to meet with the wider team, so we’ll be ready to hit the ground running after the summer break. They’ve done a great job this season and I’m excited that I’ve been tasked with helping them to build on that progress. I can’t wait to get started!”