Mallya surprised by India GP delay

(GMM) Vijay Mallya on Saturday expressed surprise about Bernie Ecclestone's comment that India is heading for a spot on the formula one calendar only in 2011.

A race in New Delhi was slated for one year earlier than that, but the F1 chief executive in Singapore insisted "these things take time".

Mallya, head of India's national motor sports federation and also the flamboyant co-owner of the Force India team, said he was surprised to hear about Bernie's comments.

"The track will be ready next year and we will let Bernie decide. I don't know what's on his mind … but he makes the schedule," the Indian billionaire is quoted as saying by the International Herald Tribune.