Marussia test driver Maria de Villota hopitalised after Formula 1 test accident

The Spaniard was scheduled to begin two days of straightline work for the team as part of her test driver role with the outfit.

Marussia has confirmed that she was involved in an accident and collided with a stationary vehicle.

"At approximately 09.15hrs BST this morning, the Marussia F1 Team's test driver Maria De Villota had an accident in the team's MR-01 race car at Duxford Airfield where she was testing the car for the first time," said a team statement. "The accident happened at the end of her first installation run and involved an impact with the team's support truck.

"Maria has been transferred to hospital. Once her medical condition has been assessed a further statement will be issued."

A statement from local constabulary Cambridge Police said: "We were called by the ambulance service at 0925am with reports that a racing car had been in collision with a lorry at low speed at Duxford Airfield. We have since discovered that the driver has a serious injury. We have notified the health and safety executive because the incident was on private land."

De Villota's Duxford outing was her first test for Marussia. She was set to give the major upgrade package that the team is introducing for the British Grand Prix its first run.

The 32-year-old is a former World Touring Car Championship and Superleague Formula driver, and daughter of ex-Formula 1 racer Emilio de Villota.

Her first taste of F1 machinery came at Paul Ricard in 2011, when she tested a Renault R29.