F1 driver Bianchi in 'critical but stable' condition after crash

Jules Bianchi remains in a “critical but stable” condition in hospital following surgery after he sustained severe head injuries in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix.

F1 driver Bianchi in 'critical but stable' condition after crash

Jules Bianchi remains in a “critical but stable” condition in hospital following surgery after he sustained severe head injuries in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old Marussia driver crashed into a recovery vehicle after aquaplaning off the wet Suzuka track at the same corner as Sauber’s Adrian Sutil, who had left the circuit during the previous lap.

Sutil’s car was still being removed from the area when Bianchi reached the scene of the accident and he hit the recovery vehicle, with the race being red-flagged shortly afterwards.

Bianchi remains at the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi and an FIA spokesperson said on Monday that his condition was “critical but stable” and it is understood his family will finally see him on Tuesday after being delayed in getting to him due to Typhoon Phanfone.

The FIA issued a statement on Sunday that revealed the Frenchman would be operated on before being moved to intensive care.

“The CT scan shows that he has suffered a severe head injury and is currently undergoing surgery,” the statement read.

“Following this he will be moved to intensive care where he will be monitored. Mie General Hospital will issue an update as soon as further information becomes available.”

Meanwhile, Marussia have voiced their appreciation for the support Bianchi has received and asked for ”patience and understanding” with regard to further medical updates on their driver’s condition.

Marussia’s statement on their website read: ”Following the accident involving Jules Bianchi during yesterday’s 2014 Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, the Marussia F1 Team would like to acknowledge the huge outpouring of support and affection for Jules and the team at this very difficult time.

”With regard to the communication of information concerning Jules’ medical condition, we will respect, and be guided by, the wishes of the Bianchi family. Together with Jules’ care, they will remain our highest priority.

”Therefore, we would ask for patience and understanding with regard to further medical updates, which will be communicated in conjunction with the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi, where Jules is being treated, when they feel it is appropriate.

”Representatives of the Marussia F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari will remain at the hospital to support Jules and the Bianchi family.”

The F1 season moves on to Sochi this weekend for the inaugural Russian GP and it remains to be seen whether or not Marussia will take part.

Bianchi’s crash saw Sunday’s event halted at lap 44, with victory being awarded to Lewis Hamilton, who has opened up a 10-point lead in the championship over his second-placed Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg with four races remaining.

Sunday’s race had been under threat of cancellation in the build-up as Typhoon Phanfone headed towards Suzuka and the wet weather led to it being red-flagged after just two laps, despite starting under safety car conditions.

Once enough standing water had been cleared to allow the race to begin in earnest, Briton Hamilton caught and passed Germany’s Rosberg on lap 29 before disappearing into the distance.

The rain then came down again, driving conditions deteriorated and Bianchi crashed out, prompting the red flags to return and the race to be ended with nine laps to go.

Williams driver Felipe Massa has said he had been ”screaming” over his radio during the race about the amount of water on the track, but former FIA president Max Mosley believes ”everything was done as it should have been” in relation to safety.

Asked if F1 is doing everything right to secure the safety of its drivers, Mosley told Sky Sports News HQ on Monday: ”I think it is.

”I think what happened in Suzuka was very unfortunate, a freak accident.

”But I can’t really fault any of the people involved – the marshals or the race director, any of those people. I think everything was done as it should have been.”

Massa said he was trying his best to get the race called off in the run up to Sutil and Bianchi’s accidents.

”I was already screaming on the radio five laps before the safety car that there was too much water on the track, but they took a bit too long and it was dangerous,“ the Brazilian said on Sunday.

A subdued Hamilton said: ”Our first thoughts go to Jules.

”It overshadows everything else when one of our colleague is injured and we are praying for him. Next to this, the race result doesn’t seem significant at all.

”Nico and I had a tough battle, we were pushing really hard... But like I said, that’s not what matters – our thoughts are with Jules.”

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