Tavo Hellmund, the man who "helped resurrect" the U.S. and Mexican Grands Prix, has "emerged as the favourite to complete a takeover of the Manor Formula 1 team," according to Franco Nugnes of MOTORSPORT. The Mexican-American, who helped lead the Austin project and worked with Mexicans on their race, is "understood to have teamed up with Texan investors for a planned purchase of the Manor outfit." He has been "talking to the team for more than one year now to get the deal across the line." Current Manor Owner Stephen Fitzpatrick admitted at the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that he had "agreed terms with an unidentified party for a sale of his outfit -- which could go ahead in the next few weeks." Hellmund is a long-time friend of F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, so he is "likely to have the F1 supremo's blessing for the deal." And although Manor lost 10th place in the constructors' championship to Sauber, thanks to Felipe Nasr's points finish in Brazil, "it is not thought that has had any impact on Hellmund's plans for Manor." If Hellmund's deal is completed, then Fitzpatrick is "expected to stay on board in some role" (MOTORSPORT, 12/5).
