Bianchi family reveal F1 driver has suffered 'diffuse axonal injury'
October 8, 2014 -- Updated 0132 GMT (0932 HKT)
Jules Bianchi is regarded as one of Formula One's most promising young drivers.
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Bianchi crash mars Japan GP
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Family of F1 driver injured at Sunday's Japanese GP reveal further details on condition
- Jules Bianchi suffering from an "diffuse axonal injury" according to family statement
- The injury causes widespread tearing of nerve fibers in brain, according to UK brain injury charity
- Bianchi collided with a recovery vehicle attempting to remove a competitor's car at side of track
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(CNN) -- The family of Jules Bianchi, the Formula
One racing driver who was critically injured at Sunday's Japanese Grand
Prix, have revealed that he is suffering from a "diffuse axonal injury."
It is a potentially
devastating type of brain injury which causes widespread tearing of
nerve fibers across the whole of the brain, according to the UK brain injury charity, Headway.
The 25-year-old Marussia driver remains in a critical but stable state, his family said in a statement released via the F1 team's official Facebook page.
"Jules remains in the
Intensive Care Unit of the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi. He
has suffered a diffuse axonal injury and is in a critical but stable
condition," the statement said.
F1 driver Jules Bianchi injured in crash
Racing through Super Suzuka
Formula 1's safety car
"The medical
professionals at the hospital are providing the very best treatment and
care and we are grateful for everything they have done for Jules since
his accident."
The Frenchman sustained
his injuries after coming off the track and colliding with a recovery
vehicle that was removing Adrian Sutil's Sauber car -- the German driver
had skidded off the track at turn seven moments earlier in a
rain-affected race.
"This is a very difficult
time for our family, but the messages of support and affection for
Jules from all over the world have been a source of great comfort to us.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation," the statement said.
"We are also grateful for
the presence of Professor Gerard Saillant, President of the FIA Medical
Commission, and Professor Alessandro Frati, Neurosurgeon of the
University of Rome La Sapienza, who has travelled to Japan at the
request of Scuderia Ferrari.
"They arrived at the
hospital today and met with the medical personnel responsible for Jules'
treatment, in order to be fully informed of his clinical status so that
they are able to advise the family.
"The hospital will continue to monitor and treat Jules and further medical updates will be provided when appropriate."
