Formula One race winners McLaren are to provide the engine, transmission and electronics for cars that will compete in a new Formula E electric series due to start up in 2014. McLaren will join forces with Spark Racing Technology, led by Frenchman Frederic Vasseur, as part of a consortium to design and assemble the racecars.

“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,” said McLaren F1 team principal Martin Whitmarsh.

Vasseur set up the ART team, which competed in this year’s GP2 and GP3 series as Lotus, with Nicolas Todt.