The Hingham-based outfit already has a wind tunnel programme operating out of Aerolab in Italy, and it will now complement that with use of one of Williams's two facilities from September.

Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes said: "There are a number of reasons why I am delighted that we have signed this deal. From a practical perspective there are the obvious benefits of increasing our wind tunnel activity and using a state of the art facility in the UK, and I am sure that will immediately help Marianne Hinson (Head of Aerodynamics and CFD) and her team to work even more effectively in one of the key areas of the ongoing development of our team.

"The other side of the agreement is that I owe a great deal of thanks to Frank Williams, Patrick Head and Adam Parr as they were the first people I ever worked with in Formula 1.

"AirAsia was a proud sponsor of their team and Frank, Patrick and Adam played key roles in introducing me to the Formula 1 world, so I am very pleased that we are able to keep working together as Team Lotus continues to establish itself as a serious force in Formula 1."

The deals with Aerolab and Williams will last as long as it takes for Team Lotus to complete the construction of its own wind tunnel at Hingham.