Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi has been transferred to a French hospital as his condition improves, the Frenchman’s family has confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.
Seven weeks after Bianchi’s horrifying accident at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, his family has revealed that he is no longer in an induced coma and that there are encouraging signs of progress. However, he is still in a “critical” condition.
The statement said: “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.
“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.”