Former Formula One Test Driver Found Dead in Hotel
Former Formula One test driver, Maria de Villota, has been found dead in her hotel room in Seville. She was 33 years old.
De Villota, whose father, Emilio de Villota was also a former Formula One driver, suffered life-threatening injuries after crashing into an articulated trailer during a 
straight-line test for Marussia at Duxford Aerodrome in July 2012.
She lost her right eye but made full recovery from her other injuries, and was due to appear at a conference entitled ‘What Really Matters’ in Seville. The conference has been suspended.
De Villotta, who also competed in F3, GTs and touring cars, said last year that she was unsure what she wanted to do with her life in the wake of her accident.
“There are drivers in the United States who have lost an eye and still have a licence,” she said. “What’s true is that you lose the sense of depth, because it’s both eyes that give you the perspective. “What I’m wondering now is if my future is being a racing driver or if there’s something else I have to do with my life. I still don’t know what I need to do.”
She returned to the paddock in Spain earlier this year to do some work on behalf on the FIA’s Road Safety Campaign, ad wrote Her autobiography ‘Life is a Gift’, which was due to be published on Monday. A statement on her 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.” With the news breaking in the paddock in Suzuka just as the second practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix had concluded, A spokesperson for Marussia said:
“We have only just heard the news and we are awaiting to find out more.We will comment at an appropriate time. If the reports are true, then it is obviously very tragic.” Various of her fellow sportswomen have however turned to twitter to express their grievances.
A message from Sauber F1 team read: “We are shocked to hear about the death of Maria de Villota. Our sincerest condolences and sympathy to her family for this tragic loss.” Caterham F1 Team added: “We’d like to echo the thoughts of the whole paddock and express our deepest condolences on the news of Maria de Villota’s passing. RIP.
” Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok wrote: “Tragic news about Maria de Villota. Sat next to her just a couple weeks ago at FIA Drivers Comm meeting. Was doing a lot for women in racing.” Sahara Force India added: “Very sad news coming from Spain about brave Maria de Villota passing away. Our thoughts are with Maria’s family and friends in this moment.”