Marussia tester De Villota injured in test crash

Marussia's Spanish test driver Maria De Villota has been taken to hospital after being seriously injured in an accident while she was driving the team's Formula One car ahead of Sunday's British F1 Grand Prix.

The 32-year-old Spaniard was taking part in her first test at Duxford airfield when she crashed into a support truck after completing her opening installation lap. After treatment by trackside paramedics, De Villota was taken to the Addenbrooke's hospital.

Gary Sanderson, an East of England ambulance service spokesman, said that the driver had "sustained life-threatening injuries".

According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred after De Villota had pulled up in front of her mechanics after completing her first lap. As the mechanics approached to wheel the car back for service, it accelerated forwards and crashed into the stationary vehicle parked nearby."Maria has been transferred to hospital. Once her medical condition has been assessed a further statement will be issued."

BBC radio presenter Chris Mann, who witnessed the crash, said De Villota's car had ploughed into the truck after suddenly accelerating.

"She got into the car, fired it up and did a test run at probably about 200mph in the rain," Mann said.

"The car was slightly misfiring but there didn't seem to be any concerns.De Villota is the daughter of former F1 driver Emilio de Villota and joined Marussia as a test driver at the start of this season, becoming the sport's first full-time female driver since Italian Giovanna Amati with the Brabham team in 1992.

De Villota had previously tested for Renault and had racing experience in Spanish F3 and the Daytona 24-Hours.

The Russian-owned team started in Formula One as Virgin Racing in 2010 and rebranded as Marussia for the start of the current season. It has yet to pick up a point this year ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.