Jules Bianchi, the Marussia driver critically injured in the Japanese Grand Prix last month, has come out of his induced artificial coma and is breathing unaided, his family said on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old Frenchman suffered a diffuse axonal injury to his brain, which involves widespread damage, in an horrific crash involving a vehicle attempting to recover another car. He underwent immediate surgery on his arrival at the Mie general medical centre in Yokkaichi.
After weeks of little change in his condition, Bianchi’s family were finally able to issue a positive update. “Almost seven weeks after Jules’s accident at Suzuka, and following a challenging period of neurological intensive care, we are able to announce that Jules has made an important step,” said Philippe and Christine Bianchi in a statement.
“Jules is no longer in the artificial coma in which he was placed shortly after the accident, however he is still unconscious. He is breathing unaided and his vital signs are stable but his condition is still classified as critical. His treatment now enters a new phase concerned with the improvement of his brain function.”
The statement continued: “Jules’s neurological condition remains stable. Although the situation continues to be serious, and may remain so, it was decided that Jules was sufficiently stable to be repatriated to his native France. We are relieved, therefore, to confirm that Jules was transferred aeromedically from the Mie Prefectural general medical centre in Yokkaichi, Japan, to Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, where he arrived just a short time ago. Jules is now in the intensive care unit of Professors Raucoules and Ichai, where his care will also be monitored by Professor Paquis, head of neurosurgery service.
“We are thankful that the next phase of Jules’s treatment can continue close to home, where he can be surrounded and supported by his wider family and friends. We have nothing but praise for the outstanding care provided by the Mie general medical centre since the accident.”
In the Russian Grand Prix, which followed the race at Suzuka, the Marussia team ran just one car before later last month going into administration.
