She could have been the first woman to start a Formula 1 race since Maria Grazia “Lella” Lombardi in 1976. Unfortunately, life had a different plan for Spain’s Maria de Villota. Marussia Formula 1 team’s former test driver was found dead this morning in a hotel room in Seville, Spain.
A BBC Sport report says local police stated she likely died of natural causes, but a spokeswoman said they cannot confirm anything. The 33-year-old driver lost her right eye in a horrific crash last July during her first test for the Marussia F1 team. She suffered severe head and facial injuries after losing control of the car and colliding with a lorry at Duxford Aerodrome in the UK.
Before becoming a reserve driver for Marussia, de Villota had previously raced in Spanish Formula 3 and the Daytona 24 Hours race in the United States. She had her first F1 test in 2009 with the Renault F1 team and impressed team manager Eric Boullier.
Since the accident, de Villota continued to be active in motor-racing as an ambassador for the FIA’s Women in Motorsport Commission. The daughter of ex-Formula 1 driver Emilio de Villota was supposed to launch her autobiography in Seville today.
“Today is a very sad day for Spanish sport. We have lost a fighter with a huge smile,” said Formula One double world champion Fernando Alonso. McLaren driver Jenson Button was equally shocked to hear the news. “Very tragic, the girl has been through so much, more than most people go through in their lives. It has been tough for her but this is horrific news and a real shock to the whole paddock and the world of motorsport,” said the Briton.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this very difficult moment.
By Dan Mihalascu
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