NEW DELHI (INDIA) - INDIA'S motor-sports officials and media yesterday reacted with scepticism and bemusement at the news that the country may hold a Formula One race in 2009.

A disbelieving Indian Express said it was 'a bit difficult to digest' that the race could be held in New Delhi without the necessary infrastructure in place.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi announced on Thursday that a deal had been clinched with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone to hold a Grand Prix in two years.

The IOA has until Sept 30 to convince the F1 that it can build the infrastructure and raise funds, estimated to cost about US$300 million (S$465 million), before a formal contract is signed.

'We are enthusiastic about holding F1 races,' said Kalmadi. 'We are capable enough to raise the money. We have done it in the past. We will do it again.'

But the country's media and motor-sports officials remained sceptical.

'A dream coming true or just tall claims?' asked the Indian Express. 'This formula of the IOA was a bit difficult to digest when it was unfolded.'

'If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.'

Indian motor-sports chief Rajat Majumdar said: 'Maybe Kalmadi can explain it better how he plans to do this or what blueprint he has with him.'

Narain Karthikeyan, India's only F1 driver who drove for Jordan in 2005, said that 'it all boiled down to funds and the right infrastructure'.

'If the government is behind it, there is no reason why we should not have a Grand Prix in 2009,' he said.

He was, however, surprised that the IOA planned to construct an F1 track and a stadium in New Delhi, instead of a Monaco-style street circuit that will cost less.

'It's a huge task to undertake,' he said. 'They have two years to build a stadium from scratch.

'Given the time constraints, the best solution would have been to prepare a street circuit.'

Kalmadi said funds would be raised from the private sector and the government for the infrastructure.

It will be similar to what the IOA is doing to build facilities for the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in 2010.