F1: King and Haryanto to test for Manor

Manor is to run development driver Jordan King and Rio Haryanto during the Pirelli Formula 1 tyre test in Abu Dhabi next week.

Pirelli will conduct running on its 2016 tires, notably the planned ultra-soft compound, during the one-day test at the Yas Marina circuit on Tuesday. For GP2 driver King, it will be his first taste of an F1 car, although the 21-year-old has attended the recent races in the United States and Mexico as part of his role with the team.

Currently fourth in the GP2 standings, eight places above King, Haryanto took parts in young driver tests in 2010 and '12 with Manor. It is planned for both drivers to run for half a day each.

"The development driver role has been a fantastic opportunity for me this season, and I have enjoyed and benefited from every minute spent with the team," King said. "In Austin and Mexico I was able to fully immerse myself in the F1 environment and I'm learning about how things work on and off the race track.

"Naturally, what I've been looking forward to most is the chance to drive the MR03B, and I can't wait to bring everything I've learned together in Abu Dhabi next week."

Indonesian Haryanto, who has taken three wins with Campos Racing this season, said: "I feel much better prepared for this test. After a very competitive season in GP2, I can't wait to show how much I have developed to become a more complete driver."

Outgoing team principal John Booth, whose last race after six years in charge of the team will be this weekend in Abu Dhabi, feels despite the inexperience of both drivers the outing will still prove beneficial for them and Pirelli.

"For Jordan, this is a planned part of his 2015 role as development driver following a season spent with the team in an educational capacity," he said. "Rio has, of course, driven two of our cars in previous tests. In 2010, he was considered to be at the very tender age of 17 years old, but we knew he had an exciting future ahead of him.

"Both drivers have extensive experience of running Pirelli tires in GP2, and specifically the many GP2 tests that have been held in Abu Dhabi, so this leaves them well placed to help us play our part in Pirelli's evaluation program next week."

Originally on Autosport.com