Test driver De Villota found dead

World Touring Car Championship and Superleague Formula driver, Maria de Villota died of natural causes in a hotel room in Sevilla. She nearly escaped death at a fatal accident last year during an aerodynamic test, and was believed to have recovered. Her family and friends grieve her death.

By Carandbike Team

1 mins read

Published on January 6, 2014

Highlights

Former World Touring Car Championship and Superleague Formula driver, and daughter of ex-F1 racer Emilio de Villota, Maria de Villota was found dead in a hotel room in Sevilla. The Spaniard was 33. Spanish police have confirmed her death, and say it appears she died of natural causes. It was in July last year that she suffered a life-threatening accident performing an aerodynamic test for Marussia at the Duxford Aerodrome ahead of the British Grand Prix. De Villota crashed into the loading ramp at the back of a team lorry. She lost her right eye but after a month in hospital, she made full recovery from her injuries which included a significant damage to the skull. A statement released by her family read: "Dear friends: Maria is gone. She had to go to heaven with all of the angels. Give thanks to God for the year and a half we had left together. Signed, the Villota family."

Last Updated on January 15, 2014