The Grove-based Williams took the wraps off a radical Formula 1 car which the team hope will end the longest title drought in their history.

The FW26 was unveiled in Valencia with a striking design and early launch in Williams' quest for a first world championship since 1997 when they lifted the drivers' and manufacturers' crowns.

Technical director Patrick Head said: "This has been the longest period in Williams' history without a championship, and everybody is very determined to correct that.

"Our target is quite clearly both championships.

"But we have been around long enough to know we have to wait until we see how it runs around the track."

The result of 250,000 working hours in designing and building the car is a revolutionary twin-keeled front end which is unlike anything seen in Formula 1 so far.

Williams will hope the new design will enable them to end Ferrari's recent dominance.

The car was set to have its inaugural run at the Valencia track today before an intensive period of testing begins in Jerez as Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher prepare to line up in the opening race in Australia on March 7.

Montoya insisted he will be going out all to win the drivers' crown this season, even though he is defecting to rivals McLaren in 2005.

"I am 100 per cent committed to winning the drivers' championship," said the Colombian.

FORMER Formula 1 driver Jonathan Palmer has bought four of the most famous circuits and thus guaranteed the future of Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Oulton Park and Snetterton.