Noida/New Delhi: As the city gears up for its first Formula One car racing track, it seems Greater Noida have taken a lead by identifying the land for a 5-km track in a sprawling complex of 700 acres where — if everything goes according to plan — F1 racing fans will be able to see F1 sensations like Fernando Alonso, Kimi Räikkönen, Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton burning rubber in two years’ time.

According to Lalit Srivastava, Chairman Noida and Greater Noida ‘‘after receiving a request from the IOA (Indian Olympic Association), we have sent them specifications of the site which we feel can host the F1 race in 2009,’’. He further stated that the racing track would be laid along the proposed Taj Expressway, about 8 km from Greater Noida. But it is still not confirmed that the racing track will come up in Greater Noida, it is believed that Suresh Kalmadi, president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has recently done a recce of the Greater Noida site although the association has not yet made up its mind. It is looking at other possible sites, one beyond Gurgaon near Manesar, and at the other around the Tughlaqabad shooting range in South Delhi. ‘‘These are closer to the airport,’’ an IOA official added.

However, Noida chief Srivastava, have countered the closer to airport theory. He said the proposed site will be close to the new international airport which will come up at Greater Noida, for which the green signal has been given by the central government, a crucial requirement given the heavy equipment that needs to be transported to the racing track in F1 events. Commenting on how long it would take to get the venue ready, he said laying the track does ‘‘not need all that much work, and can be used very soon’’.

But IOA president is keeping his cards close to his chest. ‘‘We have to look into so many aspects before reaching a decision,’’ he said. Time is of essence as IOA has to sign the race promotion contract by September 30 if it wants F1 racing in India. It also has to provide the Formula One Group with a letter of guarantee.