Could Ron Dennis take over Manor?

In an off-season filled with unexpected twists and turns, the latest rumour has former McLaren Group CEO and chairman Ron Dennis interested in the takeover of Manor.

The Brit is apparently still licking his wounds following his ousting from McLaren's management and board, a team he led to multiple championships, over his 35-year tenure at the helm.

With Manor looking for a fresh investment deal, racing director Dave Ryan, a former McLaren man and long-time collaborator of Dennis, would have got in touch with his former boss about a potential buy out.

• Silbermann says... Engineering a change

Manor’s current owner Stephen Fitzpatrick has been in talks with American businessman Tavo Hellmund, who was instrumental in F1's comeback to the US in Austin, while also working on the returning Mexican Grand Prix.

However, the negotiations have gone cold, possibly after Manor lost 10th place and the subsequent financial windfall associated with the 2016 Constructors’ championship.

Other potential buyers include a group led by former Manor sporting director Graeme Lowdon and Indonesian businessman Ricardo Gelael whose Jagonya Ayam (KFC's Indonesian branch) sponsorship has been quite visible across the junior series, backing the careers of his son Sean and that of new Ferrari third driver Antonio Giovinazzi.

But Dennis could pip them at the post with help of a consortium of Chinese investors with which he unsuccessfully tried to take over McLaren. Let's wait and see…

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