Former Marussia test driver Maria de Villota has been found dead in a hotel room in Spain.

A message on her Facebook page reads:

"Dear friends: Maria has left us. She has gone to heaven and all the angels. We thank God for the year and a half more that we had together. Signed: Family Villota."

The daughter of former Formula One driver Emilio de Villota, Maria contested various series including the World Touring Car Championship, the ADAC Procar Series, the Superleague Formula and also contested the 2005 24 Hours of Daytona.

In March 2012, having previously been linked with the Lotus Renault GP, for which she made her F1 debut in a test at Paul Ricard, Maria was confirmed as a test driver with Marussia.

During testing at Duxford Aerodrome in July 2012 she collided with a stationary truck sustaining serious head and facial injuries.

Though she subsequently lost her right eye there was no neurological damage.

It is understood that Maria, who was due to attend the What Really Matters youth congress in Seville, was found in her hotel room earlier this morning.

Her autobiography 'Life is a Gift' was due to be published on Monday.

Pitpass and its readers extends its sincere condolences to her husband Rodrigo Garcia Millan, her family and friends at this tragic time.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by The Rumble Strip, 13/10/2013 22:03

"Although we are constantly reminded that motorsport is dangerous, it is always sad and tragic to lose a member of its community, especially when that person has been through more than most in their short life as Maria De Villota had and my sincere condolences go to her family and friends.

Maria was of course a pioneer in the sport, not just in terms of encouraging more women to participate but following her accident, also did a lot of good work as a safety ambassador and campaigner.

I can only hope that a lasting legacy, just like others before her, is to ensure that the quest to make F1 as safe as possible for all involved is carried on in their memories.
"

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2. Posted by JackTheCat, 11/10/2013 12:54

"RIP Maria, sad and shocking news after she had made such an amazing recovery from a terrible accident!"

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Maria de Villota found dead

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