We update with you sad news this morning that Marussia F1 Team test driver Maria de Villota has lost her right eye following a testing accident at Duxford Airefield in Cambridgeshire, UK, on Tuesday.
In an official statement John Booth, Team Principal of the Marussia F1 Team, explained: “Maria emerged from theatre at Addenbrooke’s Hospital this morning after a lengthy operation to address the serious head and facial injuries she received in the accident at Duxford Airfield yesterday.
“We are grateful for the medical attention that Maria has been receiving and her family would like to thank the Neurological and Plastics surgical teams. However it is with great sadness that I must report that, due to the injuries she sustained, Maria has lost her right eye.
“Maria’s care and the wellbeing of her family remain our priority at this time. Her family are at the hospital and we are doing everything possible to support them.”
De Villota’s car made impact with a team truck at relatively low speed. The cause of the accident is yet to be confirmed, but speculation suggests the MR-01’s anti-stall device may have cut in as de Villota was coasting to a halt, causing the car to lunge forward.
“With regard to the accident, we have embarked on a very comprehensive analysis of what happened and this work continues for the moment,” Booth said.
Our thoughts are Maria de Villota and her family, as well as the Marussia F1 Team who will bring heavy hearts to this weekend’s British Grand Prix.
[Source: Marussia F1 Team]
