Formula One: De Villota returns home after accident

Jul 21, 2012 |

London

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Formula One driver Maria De Villota has been allowed to return home to Spain to continue her rehabilitation two weeks after a testing accident cost her the sight in her right eye.

The 32-year-old required two operations under the care of the neurological and plastics surgical teams at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after a crash at Duxford Airfield left her fighting for her life.

Following lengthy observation, with her family maintaining a constant vigil by her bedside, doctors have now decided to discharge De Villota, her Marussia team confirmed on Saturday.

A team statement read: "Marussia are pleased to report test driver Maria De Villota has returned to Spain. Maria left Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge yesterday (Friday) and returned directly to Spain."

"Over the course of the past two weeks Maria has made significant progress."

"More comfortable and familiar surroundings, plus the support of her wider family and friends, will undoubtedly provide a more conducive environment in which Maria can commence the next phase of her recovery."

"Marussia have remained in close contact with the medical team at Addenbrooke's Hospital since Maria's admittance and would like to express their gratitude for the remarkable care and attention she has received there."

"Marussia - the staff, race drivers Timo Glock and Charles Pic, and all those associated with the team - wish Maria well with the next stage of her recovery."

"The management team will continue to liaise closely with Maria and her family and provide any assistance possible during the coming months."

De Villota, the daughter of former Spanish Formula One driver Emilio De Villota, was given a test drive by Renault last year and had previously raced in Spanish Formula Three and the Daytona 24 Hours.

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