Bianchi out of induced coma

Yesterday evening it was announced that in a statement made by his family that he is no longer in an induced coma but remains unconscious.

The Frenchman has been in an artificial coma since he suffered severe head trauma when he crashed into a recovery vehicle that was removing Adrian Sutil’s Sauber at the Japanese Grand Prix at the beginning of October.

His family though issued an encouraging press release on Wednesday, confirming he is breathing unaided and will be moved from the hospital in Yokkaichi to the Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice.

The Bianchi's family statement on the condition of Jules is as follows:-

'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.'

Further on in their statement, the Bianchi family also expressed their gratitude to the medical staff at the Mie Prefectural General Medical Center:-

The statement added: “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.'

It is nice to hear that Bianchi has made a small step forward with his health and his condition can be as stable as it can be considering the circumstances.Even though this is a difficult time for the Bianchi family, his friends and his colleagues, it is nice to see the F1 Family supporting and thinking of the family who I simply cannot imagine what they are going through right now.

It is clear from the statement made by the Bianchi family that Jules has the best possible medical care that he could have and the medical team will be doing everything they can for Jules and also for the family too and will released further information as and when they feel it is right to do so.

Driving For Pleasure will keep you updated with Bianchi as soon as we receive something official from the hospital, Bianchi's family, the Marussia team or any official publication such as Autosport. But our main concern and priority right now is that Jules is okay after his accident and that he is as well as he can be under these difficult circumstances.
All I can say is that all at Driving For Pleasure's thoughts and prayers are with the Bianchi family, his friends and colleagues during this sad and difficult time. And we are all behind you Jules and keep fighting. #ForzaJules

Sarah Jones