Formula 1 headed to India

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has signed a deal with Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone that should bring the big cars to New Delhi.

IOA president Suresh Kalmadi says the agreement is conditional on having an F1 venue approved. New Delhi does not have a motor racing circuit, however it is understood that the IOA and the government would partner and build a track near the capital.

While F1 is not an Olympic event Kalmadi told the media that the organization was involved as part of its attempt to bring as many major sporting events as possible to New Delhi ahead of the city's staging of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Formula One has been trying to stage an event in India for 15 years. F1 boss Ecclestone has identified the sub-continent as one of the growth areas for motorsport's premier class, with interest in India gathering pace after local driver Narain Karthikeyan drove for Jordan in the 2005 season. He is currently a test driver for Williams and has attracted huge sponsorship in India.

(Source: Qatarolympics.org)