MARUSSIA have issued an update on the health of Jules Bianchi, confirming the stricken Formula 1 driver's situation is "challenging" after he sustained a traumatic brain injury in the Japanese Grand Prix last Sunday.
The French driver, who is the team-mate of Reigate's Max Chilton, is currently being cared for at the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi, but there has been little change in his condition since he sustained the injury.
The statement from Marussia reads: "The past nine days have been extremely difficult for Jules and his family. As a consequence of the accident at Suzuka, a number of medical challenges have needed to be overcome and the situation remains challenging due to the diffuse axonal traumatic brain injury Jules has sustained.
"Jules remains in a critical but stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit of Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi.
"The Bianchi family continue to be comforted by the thoughts and prayers of Jules' many fans and the motor sport community.
"In particular, the many demonstrations of support and affection during the course of the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi were of enormous comfort to Jules' parents and the relatives and friends also present at the hospital."
