UK & World News
- 5 July 2012, 3:05
F1 Test Driver Loses Eye After Crash
A woman racing driver whose Formula One car crashed into a support truck during testing has lost her right eye, her team has revealed.
Marussia's Maria De Villota suffered serious head and facial injuries in the accident at Duxford Airfield.
She was treated at the trackside before being taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.
The driver had an operation that began on Tuesday afternoon and she was in theatre until this morning.
Ms De Villota, who was taking part in her first test for the Marussia team at Duxford, remains in a critical but stable condition.
John Booth, team principal of the Marussia team, said: "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."
He added: "In the meantime, we would all like to take this opportunity to praise the emergency services at Duxford Airfield, who were on stand-by yesterday, as is usual procedure for a Formula One test.
"With regard to the accident, we have embarked on a very comprehensive analysis of what happened and this work continues for the moment.
"Finally, we have been overwhelmed by messages of support for Maria, her family and the Team and we would like to express our sincere gratitude for those."
Ms De Villota was conducting a straight-line aero test at the former Second World War site.
Theories suggested the anti-stall mechanism on the car kicked in as she approached a makeshift pit area, propelling her into the truck at 20-30mph.
Ms De Villota, originally from Madrid, is the daughter of former Formula One driver Emilio De Villota.
Timo Glock and Charles Pic drive for its Formula 1 team, which is yet to score any points this season.
what do you think?
Adrian Wagstaff
It would appear 20 to 30 mph is far more dangerous than most of us realise. I have often wondered if Formula 1 motor racing is so uncomfortable, anyway, that most of them seem to crash then just carry on racing as though the very act of motor racing might hurt? I don't know. I've never tried it. Her injuries are not something I would wish to happen to anyone.
Gavin Nellis
Reverse parking whilst putting lipstick on is dangerous
Mark Hussey
I Would normaly find this funny BUT Not when someone. Has been badly hurt. The wrights and wrongs of women driving is best left for another day. Hope she gets well
Bill Fleming
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Matt Varnam
Mate, seriously, not the time for humour!
Andrea Hill
You pig!!!
Davefly Theuniuonflagbrown
6:23pm on 4/7/2012
Motor sport is dangerous.
Luke Grailey
10:42pm on 4/7/2012
So is crossing the street. This is a terrible shame for the woman involved, i hope she is able to one day continue in racing driving. Lord Paul Drayson, despite being blind in one eye has competed in Le mans, so it just goes to show what is possible!