The Williams Formula One team, which is based just outside Wantage, has revealed its new car ahead of pre-season testing in Barcelona.

The Williams Mercedes FW40 has a very different look to last season's FW38 and features wider bodywork, wider front and rear wings, and fatter tyres.

The Grove-based team says this will create a 'significant increase' in downforce with cars 'really able to attack the corners' faster than they have done in recent years.

In a statement, the firm said: "Drivers will be pushed to their limits physically, which is why a key focus for them over the winter has been on training hard in preparation, with the primary focus on upper body strength.

"With the increased downforce there comes an increase in drag, and in some cases a reduction in the higher top speeds we have seen in recent years. That doesn’t mean laptimes will increase though, quite the opposite."

The car will be seen for the first time with Felipe Massa behind the wheel on Monday, February 27 at the Circuit de Barcelona.

The first image of the team's 2017 challenger was released as Williams celebrates 40 years in the sport.

Practice is under way as the team prepares to fight to keep its position as the fastest pit crew in Formula One.