Chile planning for a MotoGP track

CHILE may be joining the MotoGP calendar in the near future after Kevin Schwantz was in attendance for the official presentation of a new Hermann Tilke-designed track.

Located 30km from the centre of Santiago, the proposed 'Motorpark' circuit will be a 180-hectare development designed in accordance with both the FIA and FIM regulations, with additional plans for a motocross circuit and a 1.4km kart track alongside the main circuit.

1993 500GP champion, Schwantz is taking an advisory role in the design of the circuit and overseeing the negotiations for a MotoGP round to be held in Chile, similar to his role with the new track in Austin, Texas, which will join the MotoGP calendar in 2013.

The project is awaiting approval for a review on its Environmental Impact, which was submitted in December. Tilke's representative, Christian Epp said that once construction commences the timeframe for completion is around 18 months.

The MotoGP paddock will return to South America in 2013 when the world championship visits Autódromo Termas de Río Honda in Argentina, should Chile be successful in their application it will be the second round for the South American continent.