The endurance which helped her to overcome obstacles and grow up in a world as masculine as that of Formula 1, has also helped her to recover from the terrible accident she suffered and face up to the future and its challenges with vitality. María de Villota is a model of resilience and her story reminds us of the importance of the simple fact of living, so often forgotten in western society.
María de Villota Comba (1980-2013) was a Spanish driver, daughter of the ex-Formula 1 driver Emilio de Villota. In July of 2012 she suffered a terrible accident. Since March 2013 she has been head of the single-seater category of the FIA's Drivers Commission. Her life was centered on the world of motors; almost her entire life has been influenced by her father. With a degree in Science of Physical Activity and Sport, she was the head of the Emilio de Villota driving school. She has been granted an Honorary Award by the Universidad Europea de Madrid.