Maria De Villota loses eye after UK accident

Marussia test driver Maria De Villota has lost her right eye as a result of a horrific accident while testing in the UK yesterday, it has been confirmed.

De Villota was badly injured after her MR-01 race car collided with a parked truck in Duxford Airfield, where she had been testing the car for the first time.

There have been grave concerns for De Villota’s wellbeing ever since the accident occurred yesterday morning and sadly, the Marussia team have confirmed this afternoon that F1’s only female driver has lost her right eye as a result of the crash.

"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," said John Booth, Marussia F1 team principal.

"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 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."

Our thoughts and prayers are with Maria and her family at this stressful time.