Marussia's Jules Bianchi is currently in intensive care as his Marussia slid off track and hit a recovery vehicle tending to Adrian Sutil's car. The race was red flagged instantly, and a medical team and an ambulance were on call for Bianchi, who was unconscious and taken to hospital. He was to be flown there in a helicopter, but due to the adverse weather conditions. he had to be transported via car.
He had surgery on a severe head injury when he arrived at the Mie General hospital. His condition is said to be critical, but there are unconfirmed reports claiming he is now breathing on his own. Mie General are said to be sending an update if his condition changes.
He crashed on lap 44 of the race, the ace was stopped and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton won the race, but there was no cause to celebrate as the podium was an understandably sombre affair. The top three drivers sent their wishes to Bianchi, along with a whole host of Formula One drivers past and present, and many of his former colleagues in the GP2 Series.
Bianchi has had a stellar season on the track, he scored his and Marussia's first ever points with a marvellous ninth place at Monaco. He also had a test with Ferrari, as he's a part of their Junior Driver Programme. He finished 1st in this test which has provoked many pundits and fans alike to link him with a future Ferrari drive.
It's an eery situation on a dark day for Formula One, with former driver Andrea de Cesaris dying after a motorbike accident. Safety is a huge part of Formula One nowadays and to see a driver fighting for his life is utterly horrifying.
The long term extent of his injury is unknown, for now he is in an intensive care unit and is in a 'critical' condition. Williams driver Felipe Massa, close friend of Bianchi's, travelled to hospital with Ferrari team boss Marco Mattiacci to be with Bianchi, and was angry with how the Japanese Grand Prix was organised. 'In my opinion we started the race too early and ended it too late.' The Braziliian then added 'I was screaming on the radio five laps before the Safety Car that there was too much water on the track. It was dangerous.'
McLaren's Jenson Button tweeted: 'My thoughts are with fellow driver Jules Bianchi. The whole of the motorsport world is pulling for you. #F1family ForzaJules.' Fernando Alonso also took to Twitter to send his best wishes to Bianchi, '#ForzaJules . Vamos amigo.' Championship contender Nico Rosberg has this to say 'My thoughts are with our colleague Jules and his family and team mates, and we are hoping for some positive news. #japaneseGP.'
We here at VAVEL wish Jules a speedy recovery and we hope he pulls through.