JULY 4, 2012

De Villota loses eye

Following her testing accident at Duxford Airfield yesterday, 32-year-old Marussia test driver Maria De Villota remains in a critical but stable condition in Addenbrook's Hospital in Cambridge following lengthy surgery.

Following her testing accident at Duxford Airfield yesterday, 32-year-old Marussia test driver Maria De Villota remains in a critical but stable condition in Addenbrook's Hospital in Cambridge following lengthy surgery.

Marussia issued the following update today: "The surgical team at Addenbrooke's Hospital embarked on a lengthy procedure to address the serious head and facial injuries sustained by Maria in the accident. The operation began yesterday afternoon and she was in theatre until this morning."

Team principal Jpohn Booth, with the consent and support of De Villota's family, added: "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.

"We ask for everyone's patience and understanding with regard to updates on Maria's condition. We will provide further information when it is appropriate to do so and with consideration for her family.

"In the meantime, we would also 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."