Bianchi’s neurological status remains unchanged

Jules Bianchi’s family have released an update on the drivers condition, three months after the horrific crash in Japan.

25-year-old Jules Bianchi 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.

Immediately following the incident the safety car and doctors car was then deployed, followed by an ambulance which took Bianchi to Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaich.

The FIA confirmed that Bianchi left the circuit unconscious after suffering a diffuse axonal brain injury and was in a critical but stable condition.

He remained in a artificial coma for around six weeks, when it was then announced that he was no longer in a coma and was breathing unaided. Whilst he remained unconscious and critical, he was moved from Japan to the Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice in France, which is where he continues his rehabilitation.

‘It was a significant and very comforting step for us to be able to bring Jules home to France last month, to continue his rehabilitation surrounded by his family and friends. This is very important for Jules and also for us. Philippe and Christine Bianchi said in a family statement as quoted by Sky Sports.

‘Jules’ neurological status remains unchanged; he is unconscious but able to breathe unaided. Whilst there is no significant information to report, we take a great deal of comfort from the fact that Jules continues to fight, as we knew he would, and this has enabled the medical professionals caring for him to commence the planned, but very painstaking, programme of rehabilitation therapy.

‘As we reflect on the events of the past few months, we would like to acknowledge once again the overwhelming warmth and affection shown towards our son. These continue to be challenging times for our family, but the knowledge that he has touched the lives of so many people all around the world has helped us through.