María de Villota

María de Villota (13 January 1980 – 11 October 2013) was a Spanish racing driver who is best known for her role as a test driver in Formula One. Born in Madrid, Spain, she was the daughter of former Formula One driver Emilio de Villota. María de Villota's career in motorsport spanned over a decade, during which she competed in various racing series, including the Spanish Formula Toyota, the Spanish Formula Three, and the Euroseries 3000.

Early Life and Career

María de Villota was born into a motorsport family, which significantly influenced her early interest in racing. She began her racing career in the early 2000s, competing in lower-tier racing series such as the Spanish Formula Toyota and the Spanish Formula Three. Her talent and determination quickly became evident as she climbed the ranks of competitive racing.

Formula One Career

In 2011, de Villota achieved a significant milestone in her career by joining the Marussia F1 Team as a test driver. This role made her one of the few women to have been involved in Formula One in this capacity. Her work with Marussia involved testing and development duties, aimed at improving the team's performance in the Formula One World Championship.

Accident and Aftermath

On 3 July 2012, María de Villota was involved in a serious accident while conducting a straight-line test for Marussia at Duxford Aerodrome in the United Kingdom. The crash resulted in severe head injuries and the loss of her right eye. Despite the life-changing injuries, de Villota remained an inspirational figure in the motorsport community. She became an advocate for road safety and a motivational speaker, sharing her experiences and the lessons she learned from her accident and recovery.

Death

Tragically, María de Villota was found dead in a hotel room in Seville, Spain, on 11 October 2013. The cause of death was attributed to natural causes, related to the neurological injuries she had suffered in her 2012 accident. Her untimely death was mourned by the motorsport community worldwide, and she is remembered for her courage, determination, and the positive impact she had on the sport.

Legacy

María de Villota's legacy in motorsport is marked by her pioneering spirit and resilience. She is celebrated for breaking barriers for women in a male-dominated sport and for her contributions to improving safety standards in motorsport. Following her death, the María de Villota Foundation was established in her honor, focusing on supporting children with neurodegenerative diseases and promoting road safety education.