De Villota died of natural causes

It appears Maria de Villota died of natural causes.

The 33-year-old Spaniard, who sustained serious head injuries in a Marussia testing crash last year, was found dead in a Seville hotel room early on Friday.

She was in the Spanish city to give a presentation ahead of the launch of her autobiography, ’La vida es un regalo’ (Life is a gift), and according to reports had appeared in perfect health on Monday.

Spanish motor racing president Carlos Gracia, who said de Villota had sent him an email at about midnight on Monday, told Marca newspaper: "All I know for now is that her personal assistant, Arancha, came into the room and could not wake her.

"She was already dead. Apparently it was a natural death, but we know nothing," he added.

Manuel Franco, the F1 correspondent for the sports newspaper AS, added: "There were no drugs found or any signs of violence, so she is likely to have died of natural causes."

Spanish television Antena 3, who said de Villota has suffered from migraines since recovering from the near-fatal 2012 crash, revealed there will be an autopsy.

FIA expresses sincere condolences to family of María de Villota

The FIA family today comes together to express its sincere condolences to the family of María de Villota, who passed away this morning in Spain.

María, a former WTCC and Formula One test driver, a leading member of the Women in Motor Sport Commission, an FIA Action for Road Safety Ambassador, and a member of the FIA Drivers’ Commission, will be greatly missed by the FIA community and all who knew her.

FIA President Jean Todt said: “Today is a tragic day for motor sport. My deepest condolences go to the de Villota family. María was a fantastic driver, a leading light for women in motor sport and a tireless campaigner for road safety.

“Above all she was a friend I deeply admired,” he added. “Through her courage, strength and determination she transformed her personal misfortune on the track into a powerful message for road safety that was heard at race tracks and beyond around the world. María was a beloved member of the FIA family. Our thoughts go to her family today.”