India are on course to hold their maiden Formula One race in October, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said Thursday, but urged organisers to work hard to generate interest in the cricket-mad country. The race will be held at the $350 million Budh International Circuit in Greater Noida on the outskirts of New Delhi on October 30. The 5.14-kilometre (3.2-mile) circuit, designed by renowned German architect Hermann Tilke, is still under-construction but Ecclestone said it would be ready for the race. “It will be one of the nicest circuits and will be completed in time,” Ecclestone said. “People are working hard and checking everything on a daily basis. It will be in good shape.” Ecclestone, however, warned organisers to step up efforts to make the sport popular in India. “F1 is new to India,” he told reporters at a function to announce telecom major Airtel as the title sponsor of the race.
