De Villota making remarkable progress

The Marussia F1 team has released a statement saying that their test driver Maria de Villota is making remarkable progress in her recovery. De Villota suffered an accident last week at the Duxford Airfield where she lost the usability of her right eye.

The incident occurred last week when Maria just finished a straight-line aerodynamic test for Marussia F1. She pulled up in front of Marussia’s mechanics and they approached to wheel the F1 car back for service. At this moment the car accelerated forwards and crashed into the stationary vehicle parked nearby. The front of the car was destroyed and that Maria’s helmet took the bulk of the impact. It was the first time that de Villota piloted the team’s 2012 car.

The full statement of Marussia F1 reads:

It is now eight days since Maria De Villota’s accident at Duxford Airfield in her debut test for the Team.

Despite severe injuries, Maria’s recovery during that time has been remarkable.

Following two successful surgical procedures in the days following the accident, last Saturday the medical team at Addenbrooke’s Hospital began to gradually reduce the level of Maria’s sedation. By Sunday morning, Maria was awake and able to speak to her family, which provided a very important – albeit early – indication that there were positive signs for Maria’s recovery.

Since that time, Maria has been making small but significant steps. She was moved out of the Neurological Critical Care Unit on Monday and is no longer receiving sedation. Her family remain by her side and she is communicating freely with them and the medical team. Medical assessments are ongoing to monitor Maria’s improving condition.

We have provided this update with the consent and support of the De Villota family who, whilst keen to ensure Maria’s care remains the priority, are understanding and appreciative of the concern for her wellbeing.