De Villota 'getting on well'

Thursday 28th February 2013

De Villota 'getting on well'

De Villota 'getting on well'

Former test driver Maria de Villota is back behind the wheel after losing her right eye in a testing crash last July.

Testing for Marussia, the Spaniard suffered serious head and facial injuries in the accident at Duxford Airfield.

But despite her severe injuries, de Villota says her situation is constantly improving.

"I feel very good. The doctors told me that it helps that I have never drank alcohol or smoked and that I was a sportsperson," she told AFP.

"I still feel a little weak and have headaches, but I am getting on well. Very busy days take their toll, but I am calm because I know everything is going well.

"To start with it was difficult just to do day-to-day things. Catching keys in flight or getting a glass of water was a problem, but now things are much better."

De Villota has improved to the point that last week she was permitted to drive a road car for the first time since her accident.

"Last week they gave me permission to return to driving. The distances I can already calculate quite well and it feels like nothing ever happened.

"At the end of the day my natural habitat is in a car and I am happiest in that environment. I missed it.

"When your life is saved no one owes you anything. I don't hold any rancour towards the sport. The only thing I want is for the safety in races and tests to be improved.

"I will collaborate with them on what is currently lacking. Moreover, I feel very grateful to all the teams and drivers who have supported me after the accident."

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