Bianchi has traumatic brain injury

The West Australian October 8, 2014, 7:22 am

French Formula One driver Jules Bianchi remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital in Japan after suffering a traumatic brain injury, his family and the hospital say.

"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," a joint statement, distributed by his Marussia team, read.

"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."

The 25-year-old sustained the injury in an horrific high-speed crash into a recovery vehicle, which came onto the side of the track near the end of Sunday's rain-hit Japanese Grand Prix.

He was taken unconscious by ambulance to the nearest hospital and immediately underwent emergency brain surgery.

His parents Philippe and Christine flew to Japan to be at his bedside and were joined on Tuesday by celebrated French surgeon Grard Saillant, who treated Michael Schumacher after his near-fatal skiing accident last December.

"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," the joint statement said.

"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."

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Bianchi has traumatic brain injury