TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The initiative of the sports and youth ministry to raise funds for Rio Haryanto to race in Formula 1 is much warranted. Rio's participation in F1 is a big thing for Indonesia, but the state budget should not be burdened for the purpose. After all, autoracing is not a public sport here.

But the ministry will overstretch its budget if it contributes the hoped-for Rp100billion funding to Rio. Besides, it is inappropriate to dig deep into the state coffers to bankroll a race-car athlete when the country is still facing economic uncertainties. Instead, the government must come up with creative ways to lobby business tycoons.

As we all know, Rio has paid to officially join the UK-based Manor Racing. To get a seat in the club, Rio must pay 15 million Euros approximately Rp225 billion in fees, some of which will be spent for the Mercedes engines that will be used in the race. Rio has deposited an advance of around 7 million Euros, part of which came from his father's personal savings.

British racing driver Will Stevens who was previously with the Manor lost his chance to rejoin after Rio outbid him. One can sniff Manor's capitalist attitude, but commercialism in sport arenas is indeed unavoidable. But Rio needs to compete in F1, particularly to promote Indonesia. The emergence of these 'whiz kids' provides Indonesia with new ambassadors. Joey Alexander, a young pianist and a Grammy nominee, is an example of how young ambassadors can bring a much-needed positive spotlight on the country. The positive result Rio can bring will also be huge if he can race through the season. His debut at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne on March 18-20 will be just a start. He will appear in 20 more races in circuits across the world and will be watched by audiences from 200 countries.

F1 races usually have three types of sponsors: major sponsors, cosponsors and minor sponsors. The major sponsor gets its logo placed on the side pod and the cosponsor's on the rear wing or rear view mirror. Then the minor sponsor gets to place small logos. Besides on the car body, the team's outfits also bear sponsors' logos.

The problem is the sports and youth ministry's lack of experience in finding private sponsors for this world-class Indonesia brand ambassador. The ministry raises funds as if it were collecting flood donations. The idea to cut the staff's salaries is a ridiculous one. It is also obvious that it stills relies heavily on state enterprises like Garuda and Pertamina, which have also contributed previously to fund Rio. For Grand Prix 2, Pertamina gave 3.5 million Euros.

It should not wait till Malaysia comes in and collaborates with Rio's management team. Malaysia is known for its zealous participation in F1. Petronas has been one of F1's sponsors for the last 21 years. Manor Racing MRT05, the car that Rio will be driving, uses Petronas Primax. Manor also uses Petronas's lubricant Petronas Syntium.

It will be equally embarrassing if the Singapore Tourism Board jumps in to sponsor Rio. The ministry must fight nail and tooth to convince our business tycoons that supporting Rio Haryanto as a global sport ambassador is a worthwhile long-term investment. If he can consistently race in all 12 rounds, Rio will make quite a positive stir across the globe. And that will mean good fortune for whoever sponsors him. (*)

Read the full story in this week's edition of Tempo English Magazine