Williams to design battery systems for Formula E Championship

Williams are to partner Spark Racing to design battery systems for the Formula E Championship that begins in 2014.

The championship, which will be the world's first fully electric powered racing series, will feature 42 cars that Williams Advanced Engineering and Spark Racing will provide battery technology for.

Spark Racing was founded in 2012 and will be central to the development of the cars that will compete in the Formula E championship next season. Williams Team Principal, Sir Frank Williams, says he is delighted at the new deal and believes the Formula E championship will play a key role in the future of technology in motorsport: "We are delighted to be partnering with Spark Racing Technology to introduce our battery technology into their cars for next year's Formula E Championship," he said.

"This is an exciting new racing series that will play a key role in highlighting the growing relevance of technologies originally developed for motorsport to the wider world.

"Energy efficiency is an important issue for Williams and whilst our work in this field is now spanning a number of market sectors beyond racing, motorsport will always be the ultimate proving ground for our technologies.

Spark Racing President, Frederic Vasseur, has also welcomed the new deal and has highlighted Williams experience in motorsport as pivotal to the company's development: "I am delighted to welcome Williams into our new ambitious project," he said.

"The vast experience from Williams and especially from Williams Advanced Engineering in the field of hybrid systems and electric engine power, guarantees quality. Spark Racing Technology is extremely proud to bring together some of the biggest names in motorsport and expects no less from Williams as they accompany us in the highest level of the first world championship for electric cars."