Off the wire
• News Analysis: Trump marches toward nomination, but still stoppable  • China's Zheshang Bank plans Hong Kong IPO  • Interview: PSA CEO optimistic about Chinese auto market  • Chinese banks' forex sales narrow in February  • Spotlight: China's Belt and Road Initiative to bring the world closer together  • Roundup: Greek gov't fumes over migration minister's reference to FYROM as Macedonia  • China to award films performing well overseas  • Guangzhou Evergrande lead Urawa Reds 2-1 in first half in AFC Champions league  • Iran criticizes UN human rights report as "politically-motivated"  • Xinhua Insight: China reassures world on growth and reform  
You are here: 　 Home

Indonesia to raise fund for first F1 driver

Xinhua, March 16, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Indonesian sport ministry is collecting funds to help finance the country's first Formula One driver Rio Haryanto.

Indonesian Youth and Sport Minister Imam Nahrawi said on Wednesday that Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla had asked the country's businessmen to assist Haryanto.

"Haryanto needs financial assistance. We are deeply grateful to the vice president who has ordered businessmen to give financial aids," Nahrawi said at the State Palace.

The 23-year-old F1 driver will only secure a seat in Manor Racing, after he managed to pay 15 million euros (about 16.62 million US dollars) for a membership of the British F1 racing team, according to local media.

Nahrawi said 10 million euros funds are yet to be collected, adding that the ministry will focus more on the domestic sources to raise funds.

Previously, Nahrawi has asked the driver to turn down sponsorship from Malaysian tourism ministry.

Haryanto will make his first F1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 20, according to the youth and sport ministry.

"This is a new history. Competing with best performance and creating a historical performance," Nahrawi said. Endit