F1 eyeing Philippines Grand Prix

The 3.1-mile Pradera Verde circuit is slightly short by F1 standards

Just months after confirming that F1 will head to Vietnam in 2020, it appears the sport has plans for another event in South East Asia.

The Independent reveals that on 7 January, F1 filed trademark applications with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines for the 'Philippine Grand Prix' and 'Manila Grand Prix'.

The applications cover seven categories including sports events, broadcasting, clothing and printed products.

Though Miami has maybe a 2% chance of happening, Formula One Management is still seeking to expand the calendar, for more races not only means more TV viewers but more hosting fees, and with these averaging £23.3m ($30.3m) one can understand why.

While the calendar currently stands at 21 races, FOM has made no secret of its desire to add more, though speaking last year world champion Lewis Hamilton admitted that he would draw the line at 24.

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

Next year, the 3.1 mile Pradera Verde Racing Circuit, on the outskirts of Manila, is due to open.

Backed by Rallycross boss Rodolfo Pineda and designed by 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.