Maria de Villota was taking part in a straight-line test at Duxford © Marussia
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Marussia test driver Maria de Villota has lost her right eye after undergoing surgery following her testing accident at the Duxford Aerodrome on Tuesday. Doctors have stabilised her but she remains in a critical condition.

De Villota was rushed to hospital after her car crashed into the rear of one of the team's support trucks at the end of her first straight-line test run. Her helmet bore the brunt of the collision and it is reported she suffered a ­fractured skull as well as eye injuries.

She underwent surgery at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge to address serious head and facial injuries she sustained in the accident. The team said the operation began on Tuesday afternoon and she was in theatre until Wednesday morning.

Her father, Formula One racing veteran Emilio de Villota, has flown from Spain to support her.

Marussia team principal John Booth said: "It is with great sadness that I must report that, due to the injuries she sustained, Maria has lost her right eye. Maria's care and the wellbeing of her family remain our priority at this time. Her family are at the hospital and we are doing everything possible to support them.

"In the meantime, we would all like to take this opportunity to praise the emergency services at Duxford Airfield, who were on stand-by yesterday, as is usual procedure for a Formula One test. With regard to the accident, we have embarked on a very comprehensive analysis of what happened and this work continues for the moment."

Spanish racing driver Dani Clos said: "It's a difficult situation. It's been a really big punch in the face for all the people, and for the Spanish and for her. These things can happen. It's sad, but she has to keep pushing and be strong and keep pushing forwards."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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