Marussia F1 Team
Marussia has confirmed that Jules Bianchi faces a 'challenging' situation as he remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital following his serious accident at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Bianchi suffered a diffuse axonal injury when his car struck a recovery vehicle at Suzuka.
The Frenchman was taken to hospital and in Marussia's first official update in a week, the team confirmed that Bianchi remains in a critical but stable condition.
"The past nine days have been extremely difficult for Jules and his family," read a Marussia statement, released in conjunction with the hospital and Bianchi's family.
"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.
"Jules remains in a critical but stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit of Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi."
Bianchi's family, which remains at his bedside in Japan, thanked people for their messages of support in the wake of his accident.
"The Bianchi family continue to be comforted by the thoughts and prayers of Jules’ many fans and the motor sport community," they said.
"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.
"The family will provide further medical updates when appropriate."
