Jules Bianchi, still recovering from near-fatal injuries suffered in Japan will now do so in his native France.
Wednesday morning, the Bianchi family released an official statement regarding the condition of the Formula One driver, announcing his hospital transfer. Suffering head injuries after crashing his Marussia into a tractor, used for the retrieval of stricken vehicles during the Grand Prix of Japan in October, the driver remains in critical condition. There is some good news to be had, thankfully but Bianchi’s battle is still far from over.
The following is the official statement released by the Bianchi family….
Almost seven weeks after Jules’ accident at Suzuka Circuit, and following a challenging period of neurological intensive care, we are able to announce that Jules has made an important step.
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 brain function.
Jules’ 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 last night from the Mie Prefectural General Medical Center in Yokkaichi, Japan, to Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice (CHU), 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’ 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 Prefectural General Medical Center since the accident. We owe the medical staff there an enormous debt of gratitude for everything they have done for Jules, and also for our family, during what is a very difficult time for us. In particular, we would like to extend our thanks to Doctors Kamei and Yamamichi, and also to Mr. Ogura, all part of the team of personnel caring for Jules in Japan.
For the foreseeable future, Bianchi will continue to recover from injuries in his hometown of Nice, France. The Bianchi family has made clear that any future updates on Jules’ condition will come directly from the family via press releases.
About the author
Phil Allaway has three primary roles at Frontstretch. He's the manager of the site's FREE e-mail newsletter that publishes Monday-Friday and occasionally on weekends. He keeps TV broadcasters honest with weekly editions of Couch Potato Tuesday and serves as the site's Sports Car racing editor.
Outside of Frontstretch, Phil is the press officer for Lebanon Valley Speedway in West Lebanon, N.Y. He covers all the action on the high-banked dirt track from regular DIRTcar Modified racing to occasional visits from touring series such as the Super DIRTcar Series.
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