21/03/2007
NEWS STORY
The chief minister of New Delhi Sheila Dixit has admitted that she would welcome the idea of her city hosting a round of the World Championship, especially if a street race could be organised.
Speaking to reporters following a meeting with Vijay Mallya, whose Kingfisher Airlines sponsors the Toyota F1 team, Ms Dixit said: "If it comes to India, which I hope it will, I'd really welcome it."
"It certainly is feasible," added Mallya. "We had an extremely positive meeting with the chief minister, who is entirely supportive of the idea.
"One of the areas which we believe would be beautiful and has a lot of heritage value is in and around the India Gate," he added.
With F1 now in China, India, with its booming economy, is the next obvious target for Formula One.
"Cricket is like a religion in this country," said Mallya. "And I am not saying 1.1 billion people are going to watch F1. But there is more than enough appetite out there."