Indian Grand Prix plans still 'on track'

Tilke began a two-day visit of the venues and would provide his feedback to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

"He has gone around and we have shown him a few places," Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi told Reuters. "He will go back and give his views to Bernie.

"We are happy with the progress," he said. "We are on track."

The IOA took up a conditional offer in June to stage a Formula One Grand Prix in 2009 following a letter from Ecclestone to Kalmadi listing tough conditions including various commercial agreements to be signed by the end of September.

Kalmadi was confident the IOA, busy with preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, would meet the deadline.

Indian Formula One involvement has taken a leap with businessman Vijay Mallya teaming up with Spyker director for Formula One, Michiel Mol, in a bid to take over the cash-strapped Dutch team.

"Now, owning a F1 team, it is even more in my interest to make sure there is F1 Indian GP," Mallya said at the weekend.