Jules Bianchi's father, Philippe Bianchi, has confirmed that the late Formula 1 driver's kart has been found after he shared that nine karts had been stolen from his home last week.
"It is with great joy that I confirm that Jules' kart has been found. A huge relief for our entire family," he posted on Facebook.
"A huge thank you to everyone who shared on social networks, to the media who relayed the information and to the Brignoles police station for their action. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all for allowing this. We still have a few karts and a mini motorcycle to find, but thanks to all of you I have good hope. Forever Jules."
The Frenchman revealed last week that nine karts had been stolen, including the last kart that Jules raced before moving to single-seaters. Posting at the time, he explained it was the "sentimental value that hurts" more than the monetary value.
Bianchi graduated from karting to join the junior formulas in 2007 and won the French Formula Renault 2.0 Championship in the same year. After winning the 2008 Masters of Formula 3 and 2009 Formula 3 Euro Series, he secured a seat in GP2 (now Formula 2).
After rising through the ranks, he made his F1 debut in 2013 with Marussia and retained his seat with the team for the following season. Bianchi suffered a fatal accident during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix when his MR03 collided with a recovery vehicle during very wet conditions. He underwent emergency surgery and was placed in an induced coma. He remained in a coma until his death nine months later.
Following his death, the FIA enforced the use of the halo in F1 and other FIA single-seater championships from 2018.
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