Maria de Villota
It is with great sadness that the World Series by Renault and the Renault Sport Technologies family learned of the death this morning of Maria de Villota. She was 33.
The daughter of an ex-Formula One driver and the sister of Pons Racing team manager Emilio de Villota, Maria competed for several seasons in single-seater racing. The Madrid-born driver took her first steps in F1 hand in hand with Renault, completing her first laps at the Circuit Paul Ricard in a Renault R29 in 2011 before performing a demonstration drive in a Lotus F1 at the World Series by Renault meeting in Barcelona.
She was named a reserve driver for Marussia F1 Team last year, and after suffering an accident in testing she returned to the paddocks on a regular basis, setting an example to everyone with her passion for life. The Spanish driver was also involved in a number of charity initiatives and was an FIA Women in Motorsport Ambassador.
We at Renault Sport wish to express our solidarity with Maria’s family at this difficult time.
Official Renault Sport Press Release.