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Racing driver Maria de Villota was found dead in a Seville hotel room on Friday (11th October).

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Spanish police confirmed that racing driver Maria de Villota was found dead in a hotel room in Seville on Friday.

Local authorities and members of the media gathered outside the Hotel Sevilla Congresos after the news emerged.

De Villota lost her right eye and sustained head injuries when she was involved in a crash during testing for Formula One last year.

The 33-year old had driven in several different forms of racing in Europe, including the World Touring Car Championship in 2006 and 2007.

De Villota, who had been in motor-racing for 12 years, had previously competed in Spanish Formula 3 and the Daytona 24 Hours race in the United States.

Her dream of driving a Formula 1 car came two years ago when she tested a Renault.

She was also the daughter of Emilio de Villota, who competed in Formula One between 1976 and 1982.