TEAM LOTUS and Williams are among the Formula One teams using Cotswold Airport at Kemble as part of their preparations for this weekend’s British Grand Prix.

The airport is one of only five FIA-approved testing facilities in the UK and its 2,000m runway has proved popular with teams conducting straight line ‘aero’ tests on their cars.

Team Lotus reserve driver Karun Chandhok put Jarno Trulli’s car through its paces (pictured) on Monday and Tuesday.

Williams were due at the airport for tests yesterday, just three days before the big race which takes place at Silverstone.

Cotswold Airport manager Nick Howard said: “We're absolutely delighted to have both Team Lotus and Williams with us at Cotswold Airport, as we were with Force India last week.

“We would obviously like to apologise for any noise-related inconvenience caused by the tests.

“We are sure that, like us, many people in the area are proud that the facility is being used this week to help British teams ahead of one of the UK's most prestigious sporting events