Marussia F1 driver Jules Bianchi is in intensive care with what have been described as ‘serious head injuries’ after an accident at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
The Frenchman spun off on lap 43 at the same place that Adrian Sutil had aquaplaned off in his Sauber a lap earlier, but unfortunately for Bianchi, he hit the crane that was removing the German’s car from the scene.
The race was subsequently red flagged as the medical team attended to Bianchi, who was then taken to hospital in an ambulance. He was unconscious the whole way through, and was operated on at Mie General Hospital before being transferred to an intensive care unit.
The FIA statement released gave an account of the incident and the subsequent medical care. The statement is here in full.
“On lap 42, Adrian Sutil lost control of his car, spun and hit the tyre barrier on the outside of Turn 7. The marshals displayed double waved yellow flags before the corner to warn drivers of the incident. A recovery vehicle was despatched in order to lift the car and take it to a place of safety behind the guardrail. While this was being done the driver of car 17, Jules Bianchi, lost control of his car, travelled across the run-off area and hit the back of the tractor.
“Once the marshals reported that the driver was injured, medical teams were despatched and the Safety Car was deployed. These were followed by an extrication team and an ambulance.
“The driver was removed from the car, taken to the circuit medical centre and then by ambulance to Mie General Hospital.
“The CT scan shows that he has suffered a severe head injury and he is currently undergoing surgery. 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.”
The thoughts of everyone at The Checkered Flag are with the friends, family and colleagues of Bianchi, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
