Former F1 test driver Maria de Villota dies aged 33

Former Formula One test driver Maria de Villota has died at the age of 33.

Spaniard De Villota was the daughter of former F1 driver Emilio, and competed in F3, GTs, touring cars and the Superleague Formula before joining up with Marussia.

On July 3 last year, whilst testing for Marussia, De Villota was involved in a freak accident at Duxford Aerodrome that resulted in her losing her right eye.

Despite spending a month in hospital, De Villota rebuilt her life and became part of the FIA's Women In Motorsport commission.

It is understood De Villota was on a tour promoting her autobiography at the time of her death, with reports in Spain stating she was found in a hotel room in Seville.