De Villota, whose father Emilio made two starts for McLaren in the 1977
season, had appeared to have made a complete recovery from her injuries. She
married her personal trainer, Rodrigo García Millán, in July and had just
written a book, Life is a Gift, which was due to be published
shortly.
The Health and Safety Executive said an investigation into the accident at
Duxford airfield in Cambridgeshire was continuing and any post-mortem
findings and other developments following her death would be considered.
A former sportscar and touring car racer, De Villota competed in the
Superleague Formula and tested a 2009 Renault for Lotus in 2011 before
becoming Marussia’s test driver last season.
The Grand Prix Drivers Association has announced that it will hold a
one-minute silence in memory of De Villota before Sunday’s Japanese Grand
Prix as well as dedicating the post-race podium ceremony to the Spaniard.
“All F1 drivers of the Grand Prix Drivers Association are very saddened
to hear of the tragic death of our former member Maria de Villota,”
read a statement. “She has been an active member and contributed to
driver safety in a very enthusiastic and most professional manner.
“Her positive attitude, maturity and extreme commitment will never be
forgotten and are something we have learned from. Maria will be missed and
always remembered by all of us.
“The F1 drivers will have one minute silence just before the drivers’
parade and the podium will be dedicated to Maria.
“In this incredibly difficult time the F1 drivers would like to extend to
her family and friends their most sincere condolences.”
Red Bull’s Mark Webber, who is quitting Formula One for sports cars next year,
qualified on pole for the Japanese Grand Prix. It was the Australian’s first
pole position of the season and the first time he has outqualified his
team-mate Sebastian Vettel all year.
Vettel needs to win the race and hope that Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso finishes
lower than eighth to wrap up a fourth consecutive drivers’ title with four
races of the season to spare.
Meanwhile, McLaren have re-signed their former aerodynamicist Peter Prodromou
from Red Bull, although there is some doubt over when he will actually begin
work.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said there was “quite a duration left
on his contract”.