Marussia Formula 1 test driver Maria de Villota suffered "life-threatening injuries" in a crash of a Marussia Formula 1 car during straightline tests at Britain's Duxford airfield on Tuesday, according to the local ambulance service.
The Spaniard collided with the back of a team transporter as she returned to the pits following her first straight-line run. Medical personnel were called to the airfield to attend to de Villota, who was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital.
A statement issued by the East of England Ambulance Service said it dispatched an ambulance and specialist medical crew to the scene.
Spokesman Gary Sanderson said: "A woman has sustained life-threatening injuries and following treatment at the scene by paramedics, she has been taken to Addenbrookes Hospital for further care."
Marussia has said that it will release a further statement about de Villota's medical condition once details are known.
De Villota's Duxford outing was her first test for Marussia. She was set to give the major upgrade package that the team is introducing for the British Grand Prix its first run.
The 32-year-old is a former World Touring Car Championship and Superleague Formula driver, and daughter of ex-Formula 1 racer Emilio de Villota. Her first taste of F1 machinery came at Paul Ricard in 2011, when she tested a Renault R29.