Indonesian racer Rio Haryanto has signed with the Barwa Addax Team for the 2013 GP2 Series season.
Haryanto drove for Carlin in his rookie GP2 season in 2012 after graduating from GP3, and claimed pole position at Spa-Francorchamps as he finished up 14th overall.
He drove for Carlin at the first post-season test at Barcelona at the end of October before outings for French outfits DAMS and Lotus at Jerez, but has now signed with Spanish squad Addax for 2013.
“I am pleased to be joining the Addax Team for 2013,” said Haryanto, who turns 20 in January.
“They are a team that have a very good history in GP2 with many of their drivers progressing into Formula 1. This will be my second year in GP2 so with all the experience gained in 2012 I am confident that 2013 will be a successful year. I would like to thank my sponsors Pertamina, Garuda Indonesia, Telcomsel and Kiky for their continued support.”
Former teams’ champions Addax endured a tough 2012 season, finishing eighth in the final standings, but team chief Alejandro Agag hopes that Haryanto can return his team to the front on a consistent basis.
“We have to admit that 2012 wasn’t the greatest of seasons for us even though we were always looking to win races, like we did at three very important circuits such as Monaco, Spa and Hockenheim,” said Agag.
“We have put our unconditional faith for 2013 in Rio Haryanto to get back to the level we have demonstrated in the past. Rio has both the motivation and experience necessary and what’s more the desire to improve and triumph, which fits in perfectly with our philosophy. I would like to welcome him to the team and at the same time assure him that the team will do whatever is necessary to fulfil the goals we have set for this coming season.”
Addax are yet to name Haryanto’s teammate, but ran Jake Rosenzweig at both post-season tests. He was partnered by Brits Adrian Quaife-Hobbs and Alexander Sims.
