The family of Marussia driver Jules Bianchi have released and update about the Frenchman’s condition.

Bianchi has been in an artificial coma for the past 7 weeks after suffering from massive head injuries from crashing out at the Japanese Grand Prix.

According to the statement Bianchi is out of his artificial coma, but he is still unconscious. The other bit of good news is that he is breathing on his own and that his vital signs are stable. The statement goes on to say that his condition remains critical.

“Jules is no longer in the artificial coma in which he was placed shortly after the accident, however he is still unconscious,” read the statement.

“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.

Bianchi has been moved from the Mie General Hospital in Japan to the Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice in the south of France. He was transported by plane during the night and he has reached the medical facility in France safely.

“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.

The family are relieved that Bianchi is closer to home now as more of his family and friends will be around him. The family went on to express their gratitude for the doctors and nurses at the Mie General Hospital.

“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.”