The Indonesian government has launched a text-for-cash campaign to keep Manor F1 driver Rio Haryanto on the 2016 grid.

CNN Indonesia reports that the government has organized five telecommunications companies -- Telkomsel, Indosat, Smartfren, XL Axiata and Tri -- to help the rookie compile the last $4.7 million (EUR 4.2 million) he owes to Manor.

Fans can text the word "Rio" to a mobile number, costing them a small amount that will go into Haryanto's sponsorship pot.

The report said 12.4 million text messages are needed by mid-July.

"Let's support this. Make it like taking medicine, three times a day," said an Indonesian government official.

With over 250 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world.

"The number of mobile phone users in Indonesia is high, so if everyone does this, we'll have enough for the donation," the official added.

Editor's note: Good luck with that.

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