On July 3, Marussia F1 Team test driver Maria De Villota was critically injured while testing the team car at Duxford Airfield in England. As De Villota slowed to approach the pits, the car suddenly accelerated, striking the back of a support truck parked near the temporary paddock area.

De Villota’s helmet impacted the back of the truck, leaving the driver with critical head and facial injuries. The driver suffered the loss of her right eye as a result of the impact, but Marussia reports that her condition is steadily improving.

As of last week, De Villota has been moved out of the Neurological Critical Care unit, is off of sedation and is communicating freely with both her doctors and her family.

Marussia has concluded its investigation into the crash as well, launched in an effort to identify both the causes and the factors contributing to the incident. Following a review of the data available, it was concluded that the accident was not caused by a component or system failure within the Marussia F1 chassis.

In addition to its own internal investigation, Marussia contracted with a third-party forensic investigation team, whose findings will also be communicated to the Health & Safety Executive, the U.K. regulatory body that oversees analysis of work-related accidents.

In the words of Marussi team principal John Booth, “We are satisfied that the findings of our internal investigation exclude the car as a factor in the accident. We have now concluded our investigatory work and can again focus on the priority, which continues to be Maria’s well being.”

It’s not yet known if or when a detailed analysis of the accident findings will be released to the general public. We echo Mr. Booth’s sentiments that Maria De Villota’s recovery is the top priority, and we wish her and her family all the best during this challenging time.