Rio Haryanto felt disappointed to end his Australian Grand Prix debut early after a car issue stop him resuming the race following the red flag caused by the crash between Fernando Alonso and Esteban Gutierrez.
The first ever Indonesian Formula 1 driver felt he had made a good start to the Grand Prix, believing the pace of the Manor Racing MRT05 was strong, and that the team are beginning to gel together and work in a positive manner.
Haryanto is hopeful of putting the disappointment of Albert Park behind him ahead of the second round of the season next month in Bahrain.
“My race was short but really positive,” insisted Haryanto. “I made a good start, the pace was strong and I was happy with the way I was managing the gap to the cars around me.
“Obviously I’m disappointed not to finish my first Grand Prix but I know the team are disappointed this happened. Everyone is really starting to work well together so I’m sure we’ll be on top of things for Bahrain.
“It’s been a mixed weekend; some positives, some things we need to learn from. Problems aside, my debut weekend was really special and the support I’ve had from the crowd here and everyone back in Indonesia has been incredible. I hope for a better reward for us in Bahrain.”
