German architects for track: Kalmadi

Though Kalmadi would not reveal which of the two venues — Sohna in Haryana and a huge stretch in Greater Noida — could get the nod, he said the venue has not yet been finalised but “everything is going according to plan.” He also assured that India will definitely host the race in next couple of years.

“We have two German architects visiting New Delhi next week to prepare a master plan for the F1 track. We are in negotiation with the governments of both Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to acquire land,” he said.

According to sources, Kalmadi and Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda met recently to have a dialogue on acquiring the land. Though Kalmadi would neither confirm nor deny the meeting, at the moment it looks that Sohna could get the nod ahead of Greater Noida.

Kalmadi also reiterated that there is need for participation of private companies in “a huge venture like this.” He felt happy about the enthusiasm for motor racing in the country, saying it was picking up. Citing the example of the JK Tyre National Championship, Kalmadi said that more such events would give the necessary fillip and encouragement. “We already have a little champion in Aditya Patel — he won the championship title — and more and more youngsters would troop to the track with F1 happening in India.”

Admitting that bringing Formula One was not an easy task, Kalmadi sounded very confident that “India will soon on the F1 map.”