Williams F1 signs partnership with Formula E series

The Williams Formula One team has signed an estimated $15.5 million partnership to help build the cars for the Formula E electric racing championship which will have US races in Los Angeles and Miami.

Williams will test, source and supply the cutting-edge lithium-ion batteries which power Formula E's 150 mph electric cars. Every race will require 40 batteries as although there will only be 10 teams, and each will have two drivers, they will have to change cars half way through due to power capacity limitations.

The Formula E season is due to begin in September 2014 with a race in London. Races in nine other cities will follow including Bangkok, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, Rome and Putrajaya in Malaysia. It is expected that the finale to the season will take place in Monaco in May 2015.