Maria De Villota injured in testing crash

Marussia test driver Maria De Villota is believed to be seriously injured after an accident in testing this morning. The crash occurred at the start of a 2-day aero test, one of the few ways in which F1 teams are permitted to test during the season.

The team released the following statement:

“At approximately 09.15hrs BST this morning, the Marussia F1 Team’s Test Driver Maria De Villota had an accident in the team’s MR-01 race car at Duxford Airfield where she was testing the car for the first time. The accident happened at the end of her first installation run and involved an impact with the team’s support truck.

“Maria has been transferred to hospital. Once her medical condition has been assessed a further statement will be issued.”

Maria’s injuries have now been confirmed as life-threatening by an East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson who stated: “A woman has sustained life threatening injuries and following treatment at the scene by paramedics, she has been taken to Addenbrookes Hospital for further care.”

More to follow as the story unfolds.