Fledgling Formula 1 team Prodrive are on the verge of concluding a deal to purchase legendary British marque Aston Martin from Ford in a bid thought to have been orchestrated by a consortium led by David Richards.

Aston Martin has been up for sale for some time as parent company Ford attempt to consolidate severe losses in recent months, the manufacturer's emergence as a prominent sportscar brand over the last few years making it an increasingly attractive proposition for number of early bidders.

However, after a number of false 'confirmations', rumours circulating at the Geneva Motor Show this week pointed at David Richards as being behind a winning bid that is expected to be announced on 12th March [Monday].

The deal arguably makes sense for both Prodrive and Aston Martin, not least because of their connection through running their DBR9 in the American Le Mans Series and the Le Mans 24Hours.

Although it remains to be seen whether the buyout will have an affect on Aston Martin's racing competition, or even become linked with Prodrive's burgeoning F1 effort, the £500million sum that has been mooted for the brand appears to suggest that David Richards is serious about his new purchase.

More details are expected to be announced at a press conference at Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon.