MotoGP-worthy circuit in the works in Pampanga

Tilke to design Pradera Verde track

The Philippines may soon have a MotoGP-worthy circuit located just a little over an hour away from Metro Manila. A 5-kilometer circuit is being constructed in the Pradera Verde development in Lubao, Pampanga. Spearheaded by Pampanga-based sportsman philanthropist, Rodolfo "Bong" Pineda, the 400-hectare mixed-use complex currently features a 36-hole golf course, swimming park, and wakeboard park.

The Pradera Verde group has recently enlisted the help of Tilke Engineering & Architects, a German firm that specializes in designing Formula One-grade race tracks around the world. Among their creations are the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE; the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia; and the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

With the help of the Tilke firm, founded by Hermann Tilke, the Pradera Verde group hopes to construct a circuit that will qualify for FIA Grade 2 certification. This certification is granted by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) upon inspection of the completed track. The FIA governs all four-wheel motorsports activities around the world. With an FIA certification, it will be easier to get accreditation from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) which in turn governs all two-wheel motorsport activities, like MotoGP and the World Superbike (WSBK) Championship.

If granted an FIA Grade 2 certification, the Pradera Verde circuit will be able to host various international races for vehicles with a weight/power ratio of between 2 and 3 kg/hp. This allows it to host GP2 events, the feeder series for Formula One. It will also be qualified to host MotoGP, FIM World Superbike races.

Currently, the Philippines only has two FIA graded circuits: Clark International Speedway and Batangas Racing Circuit, both only qualified for Grade 4, for vehicles with a weight/power ratio higher than 3 kg/hp. This allows them to only host internationall-sanctioned races of low-power formula vehicles like F4 at most.

Once completed, the Pradera Verde’s Grand Prix circuit will feature a length of 5,013 meters, 22 turns, and MotoGP lap times around the 1:50s mark. Facilities will also be built to house 80,000 spectators. The track is expected to be completed in 2021.