Maria De Villota's family state Formula 1 test crash 'irregularities'

The family of former F1 test driver Maria De Villota may take legal action over her crash due to "irregularities" on the day of the accident.

The Spaniard died in 2013 aged 33, 15 months after she struck a lorry while testing for Marussia in Cambridgeshire.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it would not prosecute her team, despite a report showing the support truck's tail-lift was a hazard.

Her family said it would "work tirelessly" for the driver's legacy.

The daughter of former F1 driver Emilio lost her right eye in the crash almost three years ago, after her helmet hit a tail-lift while she was stopping.

She died 15 months later from the neurological injuries sustained in the accident.

The HSE's investigation report released to the BBC last week showed De Villota's car was "fighting" her moments before impact.

She reached speeds of up to 149mph (240 km/h) in straight-line testing, but when she slowed down the engine idle control kept the car moving despite the brakes being applied. It meant she was effectively "pushed" into the lorry, the report said.

After analysing the findings, De Villota's family said they show "a number of irregularities on the day of the accident".

"The report cites factors such as the questionable position of the lorry and its tail-lift ramp, the lack of logistical and technical information, as well as the lack of some basic safety precautions and driver briefing," a statement said.

"The report confirms that Marussia's own risk assessment process considered neither the risks posed by the layout of the test facility (including position of the lorry and the tail-lift) nor the risks to Maria from the design of the car.

"The family's lawyers are studying the report in order to identify the next steps that the family may wish to take, including court proceedings."

The statement thanked De Villota's fans for their support, adding: "We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Maria and her legacy continue."

The HSE report said Marussia was "relying on the skill and experience of the driver" on the day of the crash.

Manor Grand Prix Racing, which owned Marussia and now competes in F1 under Manor Marussia, said: "The HSE carried out an extensive investigation into Maria's tragic accident and concluded that there should be no further action.

"We respect that decision and do not believe it would be appropriate to comment further."