Story highlights
- Family of F1 driver injured at Sunday's Japanese GP reveal further details on condition
- Jules Bianchi suffering from an "diffuse axonal injury" according to family statement
- The injury causes widespread tearing of nerve fibers in brain, according to UK brain injury charity
- Bianchi collided with a recovery vehicle attempting to remove a competitor's car at side of track
The family of Jules Bianchi, the Formula One racing driver who was critically injured at Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix, have revealed that he is suffering from a "diffuse axonal injury."
It is a potentially devastating type of brain injury which causes widespread tearing of nerve fibers across the whole of the brain, according to the UK brain injury charity, Headway.
The 25-year-old Marussia driver remains in a critical but stable state, his family said in a statement released via the F1 team's official Facebook page.
"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 statement said.
"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."
F1 driver Jules Bianchi injured in crash 01:22
Racing through Super Suzuka 01:20
Photos: Bianchi crash mars Japan GP
Photos: Bianchi crash mars Japan GP
Bianchi crash mars Japan GP – Jules Bianchi is regarded as one of Formula One's most promising young drivers.
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Photos: Bianchi crash mars Japan GP
Bianchi crash mars Japan GP – The Marussia driver receives urgent medical treatment after crashing during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
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Photos: Bianchi crash mars Japan GP
Bianchi crash mars Japan GP – The crash occured in the later stages of the race at Suzuka as Bianchi ploughed into a recovery truck.
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Photos: Bianchi crash mars Japan GP
Bianchi crash mars Japan GP – A visibly distressed Adrian Sutil witnessed the crash involving Bianchi as his own car was being cleared off the circuit.
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Photos: Bianchi crash mars Japan GP
Bianchi crash mars Japan GP – The mood on the victory podium is subdued with Lewis Hamilton taking the win from teammate Nico Rosberg with Sebastian Vettel in third.
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The Frenchman sustained his injuries after coming off the track and colliding with a recovery vehicle that was removing Adrian Sutil's Sauber car -- the German driver had skidded off the track at turn seven moments earlier in a rain-affected race.
"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 statement said.
"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 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.
"The hospital will continue to monitor and treat Jules and further medical updates will be provided when appropriate."
