Alain Prost and former GP2 Championship winning squad DAMS have joined forces to set up a Formula E team, e.dams, to compete in the series when the inaugural season gets underway in September 2014.

The four-time World Champion together with DAMS owner, Jean-Paul Driot, launched the team on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, becoming the fifth team to join the Formula E grid for the first race in Beijing.

It is a move of relative ease for DAMS, who have the technical and logistical capability to run a competitive team. The Le Mans based squad took Romain Grosjean to his 2011 GP2 title, before Davide Valsecchi retained the title in 2012.

For Prost, it is his first step back in to motor racing since 2001 and the days of Prost Grand Prix. And his name brings even more credibility to what is an exciting stage in motor sport.

“I am very happy to be a part of the Formula E adventure,” said Prost. “Being able to actively participate in the development of this new technology, which is 100% electric is extremely motivating. As we’ve seen in other championships, 2014 will see a move towards more sustainable racing, proving more than ever that motorsport is the benchmark for the future.”

The teams launch was attended by the CEO of Formula E Holdings, Alejandro Agag, and the Spaniard is pleased that high-profile names within motor sport and backing the need for increased efficiency.

“It is a great honour for me to be welcoming Jean-Paul to the FIA Formula E Championship together with Alain Prost, one of the biggest worldwide names in motorsport,” added Agag. “The experience, pedigree and track record of both Jean-Paul Driot and Alain Prost is unparalleled and I know e.dams is going to have a big impact on the series. It’s also fantastic to have such highly-established figures show their commitment to clean energy and sustainable mobility, and to join us in creating an electric future.”