FORMER FORMULA ONE test driver Maria De Villota has been found dead in a Seville hotel room.
The 33-year-old had tested for Marussia in 2012 but suffered a horrific accident at the Duxford Aerodrome, crashing into a lorry and subsequently losing her right eye.
A statement on De Villota’s Facebook page signed by her family read: “Dear friends: Maria has left us.
“She had to go to heaven like all angels. We are thankful to God for the extra year and a half that he left her with us.”
An official cause of death is yet to be confirmed by Spanish authorities.
De Villota, the daughter of former Spanish F1 racer Emilio, managed to recover from skull and facial injuries after spending 17 days in hospital amid fears over her neurological health.
She had announced her intention to campaign for better safety in motorsport and was reportedly set to attend the launching of her autobiography ‘Life is a Gift’ in Seville before her death.
