Manor considers rotating second F1 seat among three drivers
Manor is reportedly weighing a plan to split its second 2016 Formula One seat between Rio Haryanto, Alexander Rossi and Will Stevens, each backed by substantial sponsorship.
Manor is reportedly exploring a solution to its driver line-up for the 2016 Formula One season that would see three contenders, Rio Haryanto, Alexander Rossi and Will Stevens, share the team's second race seat. The move comes as all three drivers have brought substantial financial backing in their bids to partner Pascal Wehrlein at the team.
According to a report from Finland's Ilta Sanomat, Manor is considering dividing the 21-race calendar into three roughly equal segments, with each driver signing up for a seven-race programme. The plan is enabled by Formula One's regulations, which allow a team to use up to four drivers over the course of a season, provided each is properly registered and eligible to score championship points.
The report suggests that Indonesian driver Haryanto, who has government support and recent GP2 experience, would open the season and return for the Asian rounds. American Rossi, who raced for Manor in 2015, is expected to appear mainly in the Americas, while Briton Stevens would focus on the European events. Each driver is understood to have assembled a sponsorship package worth around €5 million to secure his share of the seat.
How the arrangement could work
Formula One's rules, specifically article 26.1, permit teams to field up to four drivers across a single season. Provided the appropriate paperwork is filed and the FIA grants the necessary superlicences, each new driver can compete for points in both the drivers' and constructors' championships. Such an approach is rare but not unprecedented among teams seeking to maximise sponsorship income or accommodate multiple backers.
- Haryanto: expected to start the season and contest Asian races
- Rossi: likely to race in North and South America
- Stevens: focused on European rounds
Technical context and team outlook
Manor is aiming to improve its competitiveness in 2016 with new Mercedes power units and technical support from Williams. The team has already confirmed Pascal Wehrlein, Mercedes' DTM champion, for one seat. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has stated that Manor should make a step forward, not only due to the engine deal but also because of improvements to the car and technical staff.
If the shared seat plan is finalised, it would mark a pragmatic approach for Manor as it seeks to secure vital funding while adhering to the sport's regulations. The arrangement would also give all three drivers a chance to compete at the highest level, albeit on a limited schedule.
No official confirmation has been issued by Manor at this stage. The team is expected to announce its full 2016 driver line-up before the start of pre-season testing.
