Formula One driver Jules Bianchi faces a “challenging” struggle because of the extent of the brain injuries he suffered in a crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, his Marussia team said Monday.
The 25-year-old Frenchman remains in a “criticial but stable” condition in hospital in Yokkaichi, the team said in a statement which it said was released at the request of Bianchi’s family.
“The past nine days have been extremely difficult for Jules and his family,” said the statement.
“As a consequence of the accident at Suzuka, a number of medical challenges have needed to be overcome and the situation remains challenging due to the diffuse axonal traumatic brain injury Jules has sustained.”
Bianchi’s car hurtled into a recovery vehicle on the rain-drenched circuit on October 5 and has since been at the Intensive Care Unit of Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi.
“The Bianchi family continue to be comforted by the thoughts and prayers of Jules’ many fans and the motor sport community.
“In particular, the many demonstrations of support and affection during the course of the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi were of enormous comfort to Jules’ parents and the relatives and friends also present at the hospital,” added the statement.
Bianchi’s parents Philippe and Christine are carrying out a bedside vigil at the hospital.
“There are times when I look at Jules lying there in bed, without a scratch, I have to give him a peck on the cheek and say, ‘Come on get up, what are you doing lying there?,” Philippe Bianchi told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published Tuesday.
“In the space of a week our family life has been destroyed. It’s a nightmare. All we can do is wait and hope,” the father added.