The family of Jules Bianchi have released an update about his condition on Tuesday afternoon and say that the situation remains challenging.

Bianchi sustained severe head injuries after crashing out at the Japanese Grand Prix. He was taken to Mie General hospital and it was revealed a week later that he suffered a Diffuse Axonial injury.

Together with the hospital the Bianchi family released a statement saying that he is in a critical but stable condition at the Mie General Hospital in Yokkaichi, Japan. The statement goes on to say that the family has noted the support and continue to be “comforted by the thoughts and prayers of Jules’ many fans and the motor sport community.” They also noted the “demonstrations of support and affection during the course of the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi.”

The family will issue any further updates when there are any changes in Bianchi’s condition.

The full statement from the Bianchi family is included below:

“At the request of the family of Jules Bianchi, and in conjunction with the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi, the Marussia F1 Team is able to provide the following information regarding Jules’ medical condition:

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.

The family will provide further medical updates when appropriate.”