• FIA news

McLaren to power FIA Formula E Championship

McLaren will supply the engine, transmission and electronics from the McLaren Technology Centre © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News:
• Formula E 'the future' of motorsport - Heidfeld
  
• News:
• Formula E gets £40m funding boost
  
• News:
• Hamilton motivated by tough Mercedes challenge
  

• Drivers:
• Martin Whitmarsh

• Teams:
• McLaren

McLaren has announced that it will supply the electric engine, transmission and electronics for the FIA's new Formula E series.

McLaren will work alongside Spark Racing Technology, which is responsible for the assembly of the electric cars participating in the new championship. Spark Racing Technology is a newly formed company led by Frederic Vasseur who is also the head of the Lotus GP2 team.

Formula E will be launched in 2014, solely featuring electric powered cars which will race on street circuits in major international cities. McLaren Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh said the new championship would be a big opportunity to help develop future technology.

"I'm a passionate believer in the role that motorsport can play in showcasing and spearheading the development of future technologies, and regard the Formula E concept as an exciting innovation for global motorsport," Whitmarsh said. "McLaren has worked with Frédéric Vasseur for many years, and our association has been very successful. Working together in Formula E, McLaren's world-class technology and Spark Racing Technology's expert knowledge will combine to allow both companies to stay at the forefront of technical innovation and hopefully open up great opportunities for the racing cars of tomorrow."

Vasseur said it was important to have a partner with the reputation and expertise of McLaren in order to ensure the championship is a success.

"I am proud and happy to give birth to this project that is innovative and extremely rewarding for a company both technically and philosophically," Vasseur said. "Personally, I can write a new chapter, regardless of my other ventures in motorsport. Confidence and commitment from our partner McLaren is a guarantee of quality and reliability without which this project would not have been possible. The association with a globally recognized car manufacturer is definitely the right way to go. Sport and society are evolving and Spark Racing Technology is proud to be the pioneer and leader in the new field of electric cars that will revolutionize the motor racing industry and attitude."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.