Spanish lady racer De Villota signed as Marussia test driver
7 March, 2012
Maria De Villota and John Booth shake on the deal
Mar.7 (Marussia) Spanish lady racer Maria De Villota has become a Marussia F1 Team test driver for the 2012 Formula 1 season.
Maria drove a Lotus Renault at Paul Ricrad last year
Maria has raced in a variety of single-seater and sports car categories, including Spanish F3, the Daytona 24 Hours, the Euroseries 3000 and Superleague Formula Championship.
Maria has also experienced an F1 cockpit previously, having received a test drive courtesy of the team formerly known as Lotus Renault F1 Team at Paul Ricard in August of last year, where she achieved 300kms of running.
As the daughter of former F1 driver and British F1 Series Champion Emilio de Villota, Maria has always dreamed of following in his footsteps to reach the highest level of motorsport. Her integration into the Marussia F1 Team means she will have the opportunity to work with racing drivers operating at the pinnacle of the sport and, later in the year, the chance to drive the MR01.
John Booth, Team Principal, Marussia F1 Team, commented:
“We are pleased to welcome Maria to our test driver programme, which will enable her to be integrated into an F1 team environment and gain a vast amount of experience that will be useful to her career progression. We will also provide Maria with the opportunity to sample F1 machinery later in the year, further adding to her racing credentials.”
Maria De Villota commented:
“I am very happy to be joining the Marussia F1 Team test driver programme. This is a fantastic opportunity to work closely with an F1 team and gain important experience to help me progress my career, including the chance to drive the new car later in the year at the Abu Dhabi test. I will be joining the team trackside so I’m looking forward to working alongside them at the first race next weekend and this can only help my future ambition to step up to F1 racing.”
Subbed by AJN.
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@me262 My sister is scary on the road I get in her car in full race suit and harnesses with a priest.De Villota Is in a position to prove herself but don’t think for even a second I am an avid fan, I am hoping Button or Hamilton bring the glory home for McLaren, but I am also watching a rising star from the Manor stable who is in a good place to go tops Alice Powell.
This just because Marussia and Maria are the same!
I only know of 1 test she did last yr @ Paul Ricard & I think it was to get her superlicence. If you want a talented female driver, Simona de Silvestro would be a better choice. She has a lot of talent & is 10yrs younger.
I still fail to see how someone who is 32yrs old, with 1win over a 10yr career in 6+ different classes could possible be considered to test purely on talent.
@mclaren fan
so Renault tested her twice…what part of that isnt PR? whats the matter? is your sister is a better driver than you or something?
If it’s just PR why did Renault test her twice?
Or do you negatives think it was to sell more Ass Shaking Cars.
Next you will be saying Danica should drive a taxi.
this is messed!
yeah definetly PR…
@nemo
yes
This has to be all about publicity & not based on talent. How many races has she won in over 10yrs? In over 6 different series? 1 win.
I hope that they give Maria a chance with some Friday running, Maria is a real talented driver.