India’s Formula One plans may not have made a quantum jump yet, but there are sufficient indications that things are very much on track. With the first step of identifying the sites over, it is time to move on to the next stage.

Two German architects will arrive in New Delhi next week to prepare a master plan for the F1 track. This was revealed by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi on the sidelines of the JK Tyre National Championship prize distribution function here today on Sunday.

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.”

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