Maria De Villota has been allowed to return home to Spain to continue her rehabilitation 17 days after a testing accident cost her the sight in her right eye.
De Villota has made a remarkable recovery since a crash at Duxford Airfield left her fighting for her life.
The 32-year-old Spaniard required two operations under the care of the neurological and plastics surgical teams at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Following lengthy observation, with her family maintaining a constant vigil by her bedside, doctors have now decided to discharge De Villota.
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 [Saturday] 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 F1 Team 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."
After her return home Maria de Villota has published a handwritten open letter thanking all the fans and people who helped her for their support.
Source: ESPN, El Confidential
