Another step forward for Indian GP

UPDATE More details are now emerging about the bid for a Formula 1 street race in Delhi and a man who is at the centre of the plan is Suhel Seth, an advertising man who these days have interests in image-making and has also been involved in the television industry. Originally the owner of the advertising agency Equus Red Cell, Seth sold control of the business to WPP, the chairman of which is Sir Martin Sorrell, who is on the board of the Formula One group. Since then Seth has set up Counselage, an image management firm which has had clients such as Coca Cola, the city of Delhi and the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The firm has also worked in political campaigning, not least with Sheila Dikshit, the Chief Minister of Delhi.

The next step will be a meeting on May 15 to discuss details with Dikshit, Dr KK Paul, the Delhi police chief, and officials from various other government departments that would be involved, including the Central Public Works Department.

The city hopes that the race will generate considerable income and improve the image of Delhi around the world. The investment necessary for the race to take place is around $100m, allowing for the race fees involved. Grandprix.com

04/29/07 (GMM) New Delhi has moved another crucial step closer to arriving on a formula one calendar of the very near future.

With a project that is already supported by Bernie Ecclestone and private investors, it is reported that the exclusive designer of grand prix circuits recently made a visit to the Indian capital city.

Indeed, Hermann Tilke has stopped off in Delhi "six times" in the recent past, according to the newspaper Times of India, and the latest was to inspect the proposed street circuit layout in an area known as Rajpath.

"We'd like to position Delhi as a street circuit," the German is quoted as saying.

"We think it's a perfect track for F1 racing."

Tilke also revealed that formula one officials have already met with Delhi's chief minister Sheila Dixit, and "(we) will be meeting her again to further discuss the matter," he added.

The inaugural Indian GP could then be held in 2009.