The Marussia F1 team has hailed test driver Maria de Villota's recovery from the severe injuries sustained in her July 3 accident as “remarkable”.
De Villota was having her first run in a Formula 1 car during a straight-line aerodynamic test session at the Duxford Airfield in England when she made contact with the tailgate of a team transporter.
After undergoing surgery at the Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, it was subsequently announced that the 32-year-old had lost her right eye in the accident.
The latest Marussia statement issued today reads as follows:
“It is now eight days since Maria De Villota's accident at Duxford Airfield in her debut test for the Team.
“Despite severe injuries, Maria's recovery during that time has been remarkable.
“Following two successful surgical procedures in the days following the accident, last Saturday the medical team at Addenbrooke's Hospital began to gradually reduce the level of Maria's sedation. By Sunday morning, Maria was awake and able to speak to her family, which provided a very important – albeit early – indication that there were positive signs for Maria's recovery.
“Since that time, Maria has been making small but significant steps. She was moved out of the Neurological Critical Care Unit on Monday and is no longer receiving sedation. Her family remain by her side and she is communicating freely with them and the medical team. Medical assessments are ongoing to monitor Maria's improving condition.
“We have provided this update with the consent and support of the De Villota family who, whilst keen to ensure Maria's care remains the priority, are understanding and appreciative of the concern for her wellbeing.”