F1 street race on Raj Path?

Ralf Schumacher and Vijay Mallya are trying to sell the idea to Delhi chief minister Shiela Dixit

It’s his first taste of the Indian subcontinent and Ralf Schumacher is making the most of it. On Wednesday evening, the younger brother of the legendary Michael Schumacher was in Delhi with MP and business tycoon Vijay Mallya to meet chief minister Shiela Dixit.

And the one point agenda was bringing F1 to India. “The problem is finding a state that has the infrastructure and a chief minister who understands the potential of F1. Delhi would be an ideal venue and Shiela Dixit has been very supportive,” Mallya said.

With Delhi gearing up for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, it will have the necessary infrastructure in place — the only hitch is the absence of a proper F1 racing track. “That is why I’m proposing to start things with a street race on Raj Path,” said Mallya.

While it’s not clear whether Dixit has agreed to the proposal, the idea is creating a buzz. “Many countries are desperate to host F1 and a couple of new venues are about to be announced. Bernie Ecclestone is a good friend of mine and he’s also very keen to bring F1 to India,” added the liquor baron.

A guest of Mallya in India, Ralf has packed four cities — Goa, Mumbai, Varanasi and Delhi — in his racy tour. After a “good dose of Goa” at Baga beach, the ace F1 driver was in Mumbai before heading off to Varanasi for a charity he’s supporting.

In Mumbai, Ralf fielded questions about life after Michael’s retirement and the prospects of his team Toyota Panasonic, and said he was looking forward to race in India. “I hope I’m still around when it happens. It’s up to him really,” he smiled, nodding at Mallya.

s_saumit@dnaindia.net