Image copyright Reuters

A new motor racing championship using electric cars has taken place in Beijing, backed by some of the sport's biggest brands.

Formula E cars can reach speeds of 225 km/h (140 mph) but the drivers had to change vehicle halfway through the race due to lack of battery power.

Competitors included the son of former Formula 1 champions Alain Prost and the nephew of his great rival Ayrton Senna.

UK tycoon Richard Branson and US actor Leonardo DiCaprio each backed a team.

The eventual winner was Brazilian Lucas di Grassi, after Nicolas Prost and Nick Heidfeld crashed as they battled for first place in the final lap.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Martin Patience reports on Beijing's preparations for the Formula E race

London finale

Formula E has some influential backers - including motorsport's governing body Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

The first season will feature 10 one-hour races in cities around the world, with the finale on a street circuit in London in June 2015.

Fans were able to vote online for their favourite driver ahead of the Beijing event - and the three most popular received a five-second speed boost.