Indonesian Sports Ministry 'Disappointed' In Manor F1's Decision To Drop Rio Haryanto

The Indonesian sports ministry has "expressed its disappointment after Manor terminated Rio Haryanto’s Formula 1 contract after a shortfall in funding," according to Luke Smith of NBC SPORTS. Haryanto made his grand prix debut with Manor at the beginning of the season, "enjoying financial backing" from Indonesian state-owned oil firm Pertamina. However, Haryanto was dropped by Manor earlier this week "after failing to meet his contractual obligations, reportedly only having half of the required amount to see out the season." The Indonesian sports ministry said that it was "disappointed by Manor's decision, as well as revealing there was a two-year plan for Haryanto with the team." Indonesian Sports Ministry spokesperson Gatot Dewa Broto said, "We asked to use state budget to finance Rio, but it wasn't allowed by lawmakers. The parliament fully supports Rio's involvement in Formula 1 but using the state budget is not the option" (NBC SPORTS, 8/14).