McLaren backs electric Grand Prix venture

McLaren is backing a new venture to produce grand prix cars powered exclusively by electric energy ahead of the launch of a Formula E world championship in 2014. With an eye to the future, the British-based Formula One team has agreed to supply engines, transmissions and electronics for the cars being assembled by Spark Racing Technology (SRT), the newly created company announced in a statement on Monday. SRT are the official supplier for cars competing in the Formula E championship which plans to stage races in the world's leading cities with a grid featuring 10 teams and 20 drivers. McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said in the statement that he hoped the project "would open up great opportunities for the racing cars of tomorrow". Whitmarsh added: "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." SRT chief executive Frederic Vasseur said: "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." The Formula E championship has the full support of motor racing's governing body the FIA.