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Former Formula One test driver Maria de Villota passed away aged 33. "It is presumed to be death by natural causes," a National Police spokeswoman said Friday.


(CNN) -- Maria de Villota, who has been a pioneer for women in Formula One, has died aged 33.

The Spaniard, who was a reserve driver for the Marussia team during the 2012 season, was found dead in a hotel room in Seville, according to local media reports.

De Villota, the daughter of former F1 driver Emilio de Villota, was in Seville to launch her autobiography.

"Dear friends: Maria has left us," read a statement from her family on De Villota's official Facebook page.

De Villota's first outing in a F1 proved to be her last.

She lost her right eye and suffered serious head and facial injuries after crashing into a stationary truck during a Marussia test event in June 2012.

"She had to go to heaven like all angels," continued the De Villota family's statement. "We are thankful to God for the extra year and a half that he left her with us."

"It is presumed to be death by natural causes," a National Police spokeswoman said.

The F1 community, in Japan for Sunday's grand prix at the Suzuka Circuit, flocked to pay its respects to the former World Touring Car Championship and Euroseries 3000 driver.

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"The whole paddock is very shocked by the news that Maria is no longer with us," read a statement from Formula One Teams' Association chairman Martin Whitmarsh.