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Manor F1's New Driver Is Esteban Ocon

From Road & Track

Headed into the 2016 season, Rio Haryanto had a contract with Manor that lasted through the first 11 races of the season. And while it looked like that might be extended after he drove an additional race,but Haryanto's funding has dried up and Manor has chosen a replacement, presumably with well lined pockets. Today, it announced that Haryanto will be replaced by Esteban Ocon.

Motorsport reports that the European F3 and GP3 champ will be Manor's lead driver for the remaining nine races of the season. Currently, Ocon is Renault's reserve driver and is in Mercedes' driver development program.

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"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," Ocon told reporters.

Haryanto, meanwhile, has been offered the reserve seat for Manor, but there is no word yet whether or not he will agree to stay on.