Test driver Maria De Villota has lost her right eye as a result of the horrific crash she suffered when her F1 car plowed into the side of a truck that was stationed on the track.
F1 team Marussia has issued a statement confirming that 32 year old Maria was in a critical but stable condition. The accident happened while she was testing the new MR-01 on Tuesday morning at Duxford airfield.
The team’s statement read like this:
“The operation began Tuesday afternoon and she was in the operating theater until yesterday morning. Maria remains in a critical but stable condition.”
Team principal John Booth stated: “Maria emerged from theater at Addenbrooke’s Hospital this morning after a lengthy operation to address the serious head and facial injuries she received in the accident.
“We are grateful for the medical attention that Maria has been receiving and her family would like to thank the neurological and plastic surgeons.
“However, it is with great sadness I must report that, due to the injuries she sustained, Maria has lost her right eye.
“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.”
There have been many tributes from fans and drivers from all over the world wishing Maria a speedy recovery
