18/08/2011
NEWS STORY
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Maria de Villota, daughter of Spanish F1 driver Emilio de Villota, has completed almost 200 miles of testing for Lotus Renault GP at Paul Ricard.
The 31-year-old, who has previously raced in Formula Palmer Audi, the World Touring Car Championship, ADAC Procar Series and Superleague Formula, ran the R29 during the first week of August, the aim of the test being to provide her with "her first taste of F1" and to "allow her to become familiar with the onboard systems and car balance".
"As a female driver, I was very happy to get the opportunity to drive in a Formula 1 car", said de Villota. "Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motor racing and has always been a dream for me. The running went very well, conditions were ideal, and the team made me feel at ease straight away. It did not take too long to get used to the car and, after I felt comfortable with it, I was able to start pushing and, as a result, really enjoyed the experience. I have been impressed by Lotus Renault GP's professionalism. I want to thank the team a lot for this opportunity."
"We were delighted to offer Maria the chance to drive in the R29," said Eric Boullier. "As a team, we pride ourselves on our ability to assess new talents and offer different drivers opportunities with us. Maria did exactly what was expected of her; she took things one step at a time, and achieved some very reasonable lap times, not putting a foot wrong all day."
De Villota is the first woman to to test for a contemporary F1 team since Katherine Legge tested for Minardi in 2005.
Her father, Emilio de Villota, contested 15 World Championship Grands Prix between 1976 and 1982, his best result being a 13th in his home race in 1977. However, he enjoyed success in the British Formula One Series, winning it in 1980 in a RAM Racing Williams FW07.