[caption caption="F1 Magazine by Otosport, Personal Doc."][/caption]Honestly speaking, I've been dreaming a moment of Indonesian racer going into F1 championship since almost 17 years ago. My dad and I are fans of F1 legend Ayrton Senna. In 2001, when I was still in junior high school, I saved my pocket money and bought a F1 magazine by Otosport "Revolusi Jet Darat". It opened my mind that being a F1 driver is not an easy thing to do.
Many skilled drivers would do whatever it takes and grab the opportunity to lock a seat for this exciting sport. Of course we do agree that F1 is an expensive sport and might not be as popular as football in Indonesia. But then again, why can’t we have our driver there? Indonesia, the forth-most populous country, should have been able to find someone to be in formula 1.
For sure, car racing has been seen as a world culture of auto sport since its first event on 22nd July 1894. As described in such magazine, Le Petit Journal has a significant role to act as the organizer for the first race event, taking the route of Paris-Rouen. Although the car speed at that time was quite slow (around 20km/h), it has become a milestone for the next racing championship.
Don’t deny yourself, as we all know that Rio is a valuable asset who has been highlighted by local and international media. His remarkable victory at Silverstone should open our eyes by asking this simple question: wouldn’t you be proud of seeing your national flag placed 1st in an international podium?
Those who have doubts of Rio’s racing skills, let me share an example from Fernando Alonso (Spain) who had been predicted to be a world champion in the future (the prediction in 2001 was right, he got his title few years after that). Starting his career with small team Minardi, Alonso made himself as the youngest Drivers' Champion at the age of 24 years.
[caption caption="Alonso's Profile in 2001, Personal Doc."]
Alonso’s career path went awesome after joining Mild Seven Renault F1 Team. During such period, he got two consecutive 1st driver positions in F1 2005 and 2006. Another interesting fact, Alonso often promotes his country by wearing the flag of Spain for his racing helmet.
From what I've seen on Wikipedia (GP2 series data), I think this is the right time for Rio to be 'promoted' to a higher level. He will take multi-role as a brand ambassador for Pertamina as well as the first Indonesia’s representative in F1 history.
Reportedly, Rio has paid 3 million euros to confirm for his participation in F1 2016. This sounds so interesting that we're about to see our local talent in the highest level of professional auto sport. Despite of shortage of funds, I still do believe that he could race in the upcoming F1 series with Manor Racing.
[caption caption="Screenshot from Formula 1 Official Website, accessed today 12:30 PM Indo Time"]
So, don’t let our dream disappear, let’s imagine that Rio would wear a helmet with an attractive “Visit Indonesia” to be on screen world-wide promotion and will be watched by millions of eyes around the world. As of today, according to F1 official website, teammate for Pascal Wehrlein still appears TBC (to be confirmed); hopefully it will soon be changed into Rio Haryanto.
Update:
Rio has been confirmed as part of a new-look line-up at Manor Racing
