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Formula 1 Driver from Var Fights for His Life

The French driver crashed during the Suzuka Grand Prix in Japan on Sunday

featured in News & reviews Author Pam Williamson, Monaco Editor Updated

Originally from Nice, Jules Bianchi, the young Formula 1 driver grew up in Brignoles in the Var Region of Provene and drives for the English & Russian team Marussia.

On Sunday 5th October during the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, 25 year old Jules Bianchi went off track during the latter stages of the race. He missed the tyre crash barriers and collided with a recovery vehicle that was already onsite and attending the crash scene of Adrian Sutil. While Sutil thankfully walked away unharmed from the incident, Bianchi sustained serious head injuries and was immediately taken to hospital in Yokkaichi where he underwent a three hour operation to alleviate swelling and bleeding in the brain.

He is said to be in a "critical but stable condition" and according to some sources Bianchi is not yet breathing unaided following the operation which took place late on Sunday evening in Japan.

Marussia issued a statement on Monday morning thanking everyone for the “huge outpouring of support and affection for Jules and the team at this very difficult time”. It continued: “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.”

We wish him a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with his family, friends and Formula 1 colleagues at this time.