Is Liberty Media thinking of a Race in Philippines now?

The Pradera Verde Racing Circuit is designed by Herman Tilke.

Just after the announcement of a race in Vietnam few months ago and China earlier this week, it's possible that the Formula One Group is looking for another race in the states of ASEAN.

According to The Independent, Liberty Media files trademark applications with Intellectual Property Office of Philippines for the "Philippines Grand Prix" and "Manila Grand Prix".

The applications covered information about seven categories including sports events, broadcasting, clothing and printed products.

While it's quite surprising that a race will be held in Philippines, let's not forget that Liberty Media registered trademark with Miami city organisers for a "Miami Grand Prix", only to be halted by not reaching a deal even after 2 years.

A race in India, held in Ecclestone's era was folded after just 3 runnings due to increasing corruption and high fee for hosting

Earlier this month, AKK-Motorsport announced that they are studying and analysing for a possible "Finnish Grand Prix" and "Helsinki Grand Prix".

Though Miami Grand Prix looks no where to be going, Liberty Media are pushing hard for expanding the calendar to at least 25 races per year, widely criticised by team personnel and fans alike, the teams saying it would make them unable to spend time with families.

Although more races will surely increase the excitement and TV audiences, fees are also a big issue, with average fee of £23.3 million.

Lewis Hamilton expressed his concerns to the expanding calendar last year:

"I am not going to be here if it gets to 25 races, that's for sure," Hamilton told the media.

"It already feels like we are on race number 25 this year, so I don't think more races is going to be a good thing."

"I am someone that really loves racing," the 5-times champion added, "but the season is long, it takes a big commitment from all of us, and it is a long time away from our families."

The 3.1 mile Pradera Verde circuit is due to open in Manila next year.

Funded by the Rallycross Boss Rodolfo Pineda and designed by the long-time circuit designer Hermann Tilke, the circuit is part of a complex which also includes a golf course, wakeboard park, hotel, and dirt track where Philippine Rallycross Series events are held.

Speaking from alternate point of view, Liberty Media is harming itself, as the home of Formula 1: Great Britain is running out of time to secure a contract for the 2020 British Grand Prix. The audience is also likely to shrink in UK, with British Grand Prix the only race all season to be aired on free-to-watch Channel 4.

If no deal is reached before the end of 2019, it's possible that Silverstone will not host a British Grand Prix or the race will be off the calendar

With almost 105 Million population, Philippines is out of Top 20 global markets with most audience.

With Korean, Indian and European GP at Valencia failing to impress the audience and the circuit organisers being unable to afford the fee, it's unlikely that a race in Philippines will be a success.

The Independent and Pitpass contributed to the report.

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