Aug.22 (GMM) Maria de Villota has admitted Bernie Ecclestone is in "direct contact" with her manager.

The 31-year-old Spanish woman tested a 2009 Renault at F1 chief executive Ecclestone's Paul Ricard circuit earlier this month.

Marca sports newspaper asked de Villota if Briton Ecclestone - who admits he would like to feature a female on the formula one grid - is involved in her career.

"My manager has direct contact with him and he (Ecclestone) has been following all of this," she answered.

De Villota was also asked if she is going to be F1's first female driver since Giovanna Amati failed to qualify three times in 1991.

"I hope so," she said.

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