JAKARTA. Indonesia’s state-owned energy firm Pertamina, the main sponsor of Indonesian Formula 1 ( F1 ) driver Rio Haryanto, has decided to stop advertising on F1 team Manor Racing’s cars for the rest of the 2016 season, an official says.
Pertamina spokeswoman Wianda Pusponegoro said the decision, taken after Rio was demoted from the team's main roster of drivers, was due to the consideration that both the company and Rio are indivisible entities as representatives of Indonesia in F1 racing.
“The Manor Racing team has offered to let us continue advertising on its cars. However, we have decided to discontinue the advertising,” she told The Jakarta Post in Jakarta on Friday.
F1 team Manor Racing replaced Rio on Aug. 10 with French driver Esteban Coton after Rio’s management failed to deliver the remaining €7.5 million (US$ 8.36 million) of a €15 contract deal. Pertamina had paid €5 million, while his family provided €2.5 million.
Youth and Sports Ministry spokesman Gatot S. Dewa Broto said the government was disappointed by the team’s decision. However, he said the government understands that the racing team needs funds for its operations.
“The government thanks the Manor team, which had given an opportunity to Rio to participate in the 2016 season,” Gatot told the Post.
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