Stopping off in en-route to Korea, Bernie Ecclestone has praised the progress being made on the circuit which will host India's inaugural Grand Prix next year.

"I can't praise enough," he told reporters following a visit to the 3.2 mile track on the outskirts of New Delhi. "Everything was much better than what I thought. The track is much better than many."

In a week that sees Korea host its maiden Grand Prix, Ecclestone has also agreed a deal to bring Russia on board in 2014 with the USA returning to the fold in 2012.

"I had heard about India, I thought that is where we should be," added Ecclestone, who celebrates his eightieth birthday next week. "We should have been here before. I am sure F1 would be accepted in India. It will expose India to the rest of the world. India can get out of the event whatever they want."

The problems in the run up to the recent Commonwealth Games had led to concerns that the F1 venue might also suffer - though once the few teething problems had been resolved the games passed without incident and were roundly seen as a success. Ecclestone never had any doubts. "There was so much doubt about the Commonwealth Games because of the silly media reports," he said. "That is why I am here. I saw the opening ceremony on television and it was better than the ones at the Olympics or the World Cup."