India plans to join within three years the roster of countries hosting Formula One grand prix races, even as potholes, congestion and chronic underinvestment continue to bedevil ordinary road users in Asia’s second-fastest growing economy.

Suresh Kalmadi, president of the Indian Olympic Association, said on Monday Bernie Ecclestone, the sport’s London-based supremo, had approved two possible sites for a new racetrack on the outskirts of New Delhi and drafted a 10-year contract.