Moscow, Jul 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Formula One driver Charles Pic says the crash in testing that left Marussia test driver Maria de Villota critically injured had a powerful effect on the team, but has not made him fear for his safety in the sport.

De Villota remains in hospital after suffering severe facial injuries in the July 3 crash at Duxford airfield in Britain, including the loss of her right eye.

In an interview with R-Sport, the Frenchman was asked whether the accident had raised new fears about the sport's safety for him.

"Honestly, I'm not thinking like that because of course motor racing is dangerous, but it's also my passion, so no," Pic said late Friday.

"I and all the team were really affected by what's happened. I think it's normal, but the most important thing is that now she's getting better, she's recovering well."

Pic, 22, partners Germany's Timo Glock at Marussia.

His best results so far are two 15th places in the Australian and European Grands Prix.