The swinging prospects for a future grand prix in India took a turn for the better this week. Although the Indian Olympic Association declared last month that it has secured a preliminary deal for a race in Delhi in 2009, it was difficult to overlook the lack of confirmed funding or a circuit.

But reports now suggest that the project is indeed moving ahead, with the Delhi government currently in the process of identifying land for the site, according to the media outlet Delhi Newsline.

A meeting has already been held involving Delhi's chief minister Sheila Dixit and Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, where one possible site was discussed.

"Putting up a F1 track is not an impossible task. It can be done in time. The Delhi government is keen on (the grand prix because) infrastructure will be in place to host tourists, as (the) Commonwealth Games are scheduled a year after the F1 event," an unnamed government official is quoted as saying. (GMM)