UK, Sept 18: Williams are hoping to push Formula One technology to new levels as they attempt to close the gap to the dominant Ferrari team.

Williams are spending a reputed £25m on a new, state-of-the-art wind tunnel that they hope will give them an aerodynamic design capability beyond that of their rivals. The planned tunnel, which should be ready in time to be used to design the team's 2004 challenger, is said to be the most advanced in F1.

That could give Williams a crucial advantage in aerodynamics, the most important part of F1 car design - and an area in which the team have been struggling in recent years. Williams already have one of the most advanced wind tunnels in the sport - but they hope the new one will take them on to a completely new level.

A source close to the team said: "It is going to be very special - no-one else has anything like it." Bureau Report