Indonesian Rio Haryanto will stay with Manor as a reserve driver after being dropped from the race seat, the Formula One team said on Thursday.
The decision came a day after the team announced that Frenchman Esteban Ocon was taking Haryanto’s place from this month’s Belgian Grand Prix due to contractual issues.
Manor said Haryanto, who is backed by Indonesian state oil company Pertamina but needed to raise substantial sums to retain his seat, had accepted an offer to stay as a reserve for the rest of the season.
“Rio will be available to deputise should either race driver be unable to take part in an event,” the team said in a statement.
“He will also be immersed in engineering meetings and PR activities as the team continues its support for his racing ambitions.”
Haryanto became Indonesia’s first Formula One driver in March. He started 12 races without scoring a point.