Maria de Villota, daughter of former-F1 driver Emilio de Villota, says she is determined to break into the male dominated world of Formula 1 drivers.
The Spaniard completed her first F1 test in August with Renault at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France – a track which is owned by Bernie Ecclestone with whom De Villota revealed her manager was in contact with.
“My manager has direct contact with him [Ecclestone] and he has been following all this,” she told Marca.
However, she also insisted it was her strong relationship and determination which got her the test with the Enstone outfit, rather than Ecclestone’s helping hand, despite it being known that he is keen to attract a female to the sport for marketing purposes.
“Our relationship with Renault is very good and they have given us this opportunity,” she added. “I have the determination to be in F1 and we are taking the necessary steps. Let’s see what happens in the future.”
When asked if the opportunity had come too late, the 31-year-old replied: “Not at all. It comes at the right time. I am in the best physical shape, all these years I have used as experience. I think it’s our chance and it’s time.”
