India has now signed a commitment to build a grand prix circuit in Delhi. Reports in the country said the deal was signed by promoter Suresh Kalmadi, of the Indian Olympic Association, and F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, in London on Monday.

The agreement is conditional only on the payment of a rights fee - thought to be $30 million - by the end of September. Indian motor sport figure Vicky Chandhok, also in London, confirmed: "Kalmadi is meeting Bernie to sign a time-bound deal to construct an F1 track."

The deal does not guarantee a race, but it is the next step in bringing formula one to India in 2009 or 2010. (GMM)