Cadena Ser reported a few hours ago that Maria de Villota (aged 33) died in a Sevilla hotel room despite numerous attempts from emergency services to resuscitate her.

There are no further details available at this time, but Radio Cadena Ser stated that emergency services have confirmed the news to them. Eurosport Spain is also reporting that her family has confirmed the bad news.

Maria De Villota came to international prominence in July 2012 when she lost her right eye after being involved in a F1 test crash for the Marussia team. She was the first female driver ever to test for a contemporary Formula 1 team since Katherine Legge back in 2005. The Spanish driver also raced in several series including the 24 Hours of Daytona, Spanish F3, and the Superleague Formula Championship.

To her family and friends we would like to leave our respectful condolences.

Update:

According to the autopsy conducted at the Forensic Anatomical Institute of Seville (Spain), Maria de Villota death causes were “absolutely natural”.