Bianchi family thankful for support

Jules Bianchi’s family have thanked well wishers for their support following the Marussia driver’s horror crash in Japan.

The French driver crashed during the Japanese Grand Prix on a wet Suzuka circuit.

Sauber’s Adrian Sutil had crashed on the very same turn a lap earlier and crashed into the tyre barrier, however for Bianchi, his Marussia crashed into the recovery vehicle which was retrieving Sutil’s Sauber.

The safety car and doctors car was then immediately deployed followed by an ambulance which took Bianchi to Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaich.

For medical reasons he was transported by road rather than helicopter.

The FIA confirmed that Bianchi left the circuit unconscious after suffering a severe head injury.

Bianchi then underwent three hours of surgery and he remains connected to a respirator.

?This is a very difficult time for our family, but the messages of support and affection for Jules from all over the world have been a source of great comfort to us. We would like to express our sincere appreciation.’ the Bianchi family statement said.

‘Jules remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi. He has suffered a diffuse axonal injury and is in a critical but stable condition. The medical professionals at the hospital are providing the very best treatment and care and we are grateful for everything they have done for Jules since his accident.

‘We are also grateful for the presence of Professor Gerard Saillant, President of the FIA Medical Commission, and Professor Alessandro Frati, Neurosurgeon of the University of Rome La Sapienza, who has travelled to Japan at the request of Scuderia Ferrari. They arrived at the hospital today [Tuesday] and met with the medical personnel responsible for Jules? treatment, in order to be fully informed of his clinical status so that they are able to advise the family. Professors Saillant and Frati acknowledge the excellent care being provided by the Mie General Medical Center and would like to thank their Japanese colleagues.?