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Former McLaren Formula 1 team principal Martin Whitmarsh will be part of Formula E's new 'Global Advisory Board', chaired by four-time F1 world champion turned FE team co-owner Alain Prost.

A series statement said the board's purpose would be "to steer the future direction of Formula E as a key player in influencing the global uptake of electric vehicles and its impact on reducing emissions".

Prost will lead the board alongside former executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Christiana Figueres.

Its membership is completed by Whitmarsh, reigning FE champion Lucas di Grassi, FE CEO Alejandro Agag, SINA CEO Charles Chao, Jaguar Land Rover CMO and Jaguar team chairman Gerd Mauser and Marco Parroni, head of global sponsoring and deputy head of marketing at FE sponsor Julius Baer.

"Formula E is more than just a race, it's a platform to inspire change - a change in perception, a change in attitude and behaviour, and a change in the way we live our lives and actively influence the future of our planet," said Agag.

"It's an honour to have names like Christiana and Alain heading up the new Global Advisory Board, alongside a strong mix of recognisable names in the field of media, marketing, business, sport and sustainability."

The board role marks Whitmarsh's first involvement in FE.

Since parting company with McLaren, he has become CEO of the Land Rover BAR America's Cup yacht racing team.

The 2017/18 FE season commences with a double-header in Hong Kong this weekend.