Formula One driver Jules Bianchi in surgery for 'severe head injury' after Japanese Grand Prix crash
Jules Bianchi ploughed into a tractor following a prior accident at turn seven on the Suzuka track at the Japanese F1.
By Dave Lancaster |15:08 06 October 2014
French F1 racer Jules Bianchi, the 25-year-old grandson of three-time GT World Champion Mauro Bianchi, is being monitored in intensive care following a horrific crash at the Japanese Formula One over the weekend.
Bianchi's Marussia lost control and struck a tractor that was helping to clean up a previous, less serious, accident involving Adrian Sutil's Sauber a lap earlier.
Sutil told Sky Sports F1: "The yellow flags were out after I aquaplaned at the corner as the rain got more and more.
"And one lap later with waved yellow flags Jules came around and had the same spin there. It was more or less the same crash, but just the outcome was a bit different.
"With respect to this corner I think everyone knows this is one of the most tricky corners and when it is getting late and the rain increases...
"Let’s say when you have an accident there you should probably think about a Safety Car."
Bianchi was unconscious as he was rushed to hospital in an ambulance, as the heavy rain was too bad for the usual helicopter to tackle.
The level of rain had sparked concern from pundits and racers alike prior to the race. The race itself started slowly with safety car drivers leading the pack and stating that they couldn't see through the spray.
Williams driver Felipe Massa talked about the Japanese circuit: "It was not driveable at the beginning and they finished the race too late."
A crash victim half a decade prior in Hungary, Williams added: "I was screaming on the radio five laps before the Safety Car that there was too much water on the track.
"But then they just took a bit too long and it was dangerous."
Meanwhile, Niki Lauda - who was involved in a near-fatal F1 smash himself, added that the race should've started earlier to beat the oncoming weather issues: "They could have started earlier, there's no question about it. It was foreseeable. They could have started the race at one."
The race was ultimately won by Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) with his team-mate Nico Rosberg second.
The Marussia team released a following statement on Monday morning: 'Following the accident involving Jules Bianchi during yesterday’s 2014 Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, the Marussia F1 Team would like to acknowledge the huge outpouring of support and affection for Jules and the Team at this very difficult time.
'With regard to the communication of information concerning Jules’ medical condition, we will respect, and be guided by, the wishes of the Bianchi family. Together with Jules’ care, they will remain our highest priority. Therefore, we would ask for patience and understanding with regard to further medical updates, which will be communicated in conjunction with the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi, where Jules is being treated, when they feel it is appropriate.
'Representatives of the Marussia F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari will remain at the hospital to support Jules and the Bianchi family.'