Rio Haryanto - Photo Credit: Alastair Staley/GP2 Media Service
Rio Haryanto will race for the Carlin team in the GP2 Series this year, joining Max Chilton at the British team, who have formed a technical partnership with the Marussia F1 Team.
19-year-old Indonesian racer Haryanto has raced for the Marussia-partnered Manor squad in GP3 for the past two seasons, racking up three race wins and finishing fifth and seventh in the drivers' standings over the two years. As part of Marussia's driver development programme, he got the chance to test an F1 car for the team (then known as Virgin) in late 2010.
He made his GP2 debut at the non-championship race in Abu Dhabi last November, driving for the DAMS team.
“I am looking forward to my first year in the Series with the Marussia Carlin GP2 Team” said Haryanto. “Carlin is a team that has produced many championship winning drivers over the years.
“The first year in GP2 will be a steep learning curve but I will be trying to learn as much as possible and aim for consistent results. I am looking forward to the challenge. I am also grateful for the continued support from Pertamina, who have been supporting my motorsport activities.”
Chilton remains with the team (which is owned by his father Graeme) for a second season, and his third racing in GP2.
“I'm very excited about the season ahead in GP2,” said Max. “Although we didn't get the results we'd hoped for last season, we had a very good car and I can't wait to get back on track and build on the progress we've made over the winter.
“To be racing in Marussia livery makes the season ahead even more exciting, and as a driver I'm delighted to be associated with such a young and promising F1 team.”
Trevor Carlin added: “First of all I'm delighted we're able to announce a new technical partnership with the Marussia F1 Team. I look forward to a successful ongoing relationship.
“We're extremely happy to have Max staying with us for a second season in the GP2 Series. He developed hugely as a driver in 2011 and regular podium positions should be the aim for him in 2012. Rio is an extremely welcome addition to the team. He is still very young but having watched him first hand in GP3 last year, I'm sure we'll see some exciting racing from him this year.”
The Carlin-Marussia relationship began with the team taking Marussia-backed Robert Wickens to the Formula Renault 3.5 title last year. There is no role for the Canadian driver in the new GP2 collaboration though, which will be entered under the Marussia Carlin GP2 Team banner.
