Confirmed: Formula One set for Mexico in 2015

For the first time since 1992, Formula One racing will return to Mexico in 2015.

A formal announcement is expected to be made tomorrow by the Mexican government that the race will return to Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez, which last hosted that F1 race in 1992. No date will be given for the race, but it will be in late October or early November, likely right befor eor after the Formula One race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin.

The race in Mexico has been largely orchestrated by Tavo Hellmund, the promoter who developed Circuit of the Americas, oversaw its design and most of its construction, and signed the first deal for a race with his longtime friend, F1 honcho Bernie Ecclestone. Hellmund was eventually forced out of the project, then turned his attention to Mexico, where his father was a successful motorsports promoter. Much of his work has been in making sure the aging circuit can be updated properly to F1 standards.

Carlos Slim involved

Hellmund worked closely with Alejandro Soberon, chief executive of CIE, one of the world's largest entertainment conglomerates. One of CIE's investors is Carlos Slim Domit, son of Carlos Slim, widely regarded as the world’s richest man. Both men have a long history of motorsports involvement.

It will likely fall in part to Carlos Slim to ensure that there is at least one Mexican driver on the grid next season. Presently there are two: Esteban Gutierrez at Sauber and Force India’s Sergio Perez (in photo above). Perez likely will have a ride next year, but with Sauber's tentative fnancial situation, Gutierrez's future is less certain.

We will have more after the formal announcement. Neither Ecclestone nor Hellmund is expected to attend the press conference.