The last available spot at Manor goes to

Manor has put the last available spot for the 2016 Formula 1 World Championship on the market, and the modest British team has become a very attractive prospect for many drivers.

With Pascal Wehrlein already confirmed for the 2016 season at Manor, the battle for the team's final seat has become a textbook example of how money, nationality, and past performance intersect in the lower echelons of Formula 1.

The most serious candidates are the three drivers who have already raced for Manor Grand Prix. American Alexander Rossi, who made a one-off appearance in 2015, brings the appeal of a domestic market at a time when the United States is considering creating its own race and an American team, Haas, is entering the starting grid. His modest personal sponsorship and solid performance behind the wheel make him an interesting candidate. The other logical option is Britain's Will Stevens, who competed for Manor throughout the 2015 season. Although he has never made headlines, his consistency and in-depth knowledge of the car could convince the team hierarchy. A third possibility, Spain's Roberto Merhi, proved his speed by repeatedly outpacing his teammate in qualifying last year, but he appears to have been ruled out of the list of potential candidates. However, finances remain the deciding factor for a team with a limited budget. Indonesia's Ryo Haryanto, backed by national oil giant Pertamina and his government, is the archetypal “pay driver.” The former GP2 runner-up, who finished fourth in the 2015 championship, would bring the cash injection Manor desperately needs, even if his track record is modest.

Beyond the realistic candidates, rumors are circulating about some far-fetched names: former world champion Rubens Barrichello, who has hinted that he might make a comeback; Jean-Eric Vergne, who has reportedly been released by Ferrari for Mercedes; Adrian Sutil, who is looking for a third chance after a long break; and Jacques Villeneuve, currently in France as a consultant for Canal+, but still linked to a seat.

Ultimately, Manor is unlikely to take the risk of betting on a driver who cannot bring substantial funding, even though the idea of rotating three drivers in the same car during the season has been mooted. While this scenario is unlikely, the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 means that nothing can be completely ruled out.