F1 comes toDelhi, Indian Grand Prix in 2009

New Delhi, June 14 (UNI) India will come on the Formula One map with the national capital set to host a Grand Prix in 2009, according to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief Suresh Kalmadi.

The IOA Executive Committee today ratified a proposal sent by Formula One Group CEO Bernie Eccelstone expressing desire to hold a circuit in the country to be named Formula One Grand Prix of India.

The IOA will be the promoter of the event and responsible for getting support of the governments and other agencies to get a circuit constructed at the site accepted by the Formula One Administration (FOA).

Mr Kalmadi said a small committee of five members will look into how a stadium is to be built in Delhi to house the track.

''We are yet to sign a contract but we are keen to hold the event here and we have seen two or three places to construct a stadium to house the track,'' he said, addressing a press conference here.

The committee will have five members -- IOA secretary general Randhir Singh, senior vice-president Vijay Kumar Malhotra, treasurer A K Mattoo, AFI secretary Lalit Bhanot, besides Kalmadi himself.

Mr Kalmadi said IOA thought holding of F1 race in Delhi was a perfect opportunity to promote 2010 Commonwealth Games to be hosted by the national capital.

''A successful hosting of the F1 event will showcase India's ability to host big sporting events just before the Commonwealth Games in Delhi,'' he said.

Formula One races are held every year from March 18 to October 21, and this year it has 17 circuits all over the world.

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