Marussia have released a statement on behalf of the family of Jules Bianchi confirming that he remains in a critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit of the Mie General Hospital after suffering a “diffuse axonal injury” in his horrific accident at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Bianchi crashed into a recovery vehicle which was removing the Sauber of Adrian Sutil who crashed minutes earlier.

The following statement was released by the Marussia F1 Team on behalf of the Bianchi family and in conjunction with the hospital.

“This is a very difficult time for our family, but the messages of support and affection for Jules from all over the world have been a source of great comfort to us,” read a statement. “We would like to express our sincere appreciation.

“Jules remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi. He has suffered a diffuse axonal injury and is in a critical but stable condition. The medical professionals at the hospital are providing the very best treatment and care and we are grateful for everything they have done for Jules since his accident.

“We are also grateful for the presence of Professor Gerard Saillant, President of the FIA Medical Commission, and Professor Alessandro Frati, Neurosurgeon of the University of Rome La Sapienza, who has travelled to Japan at the request of Scuderia Ferrari.

“They arrived at the hospital today and met with the medical personnel responsible for Jules’ treatment, in order to be fully informed of his clinical status so that they are able to advise the family. Professors Saillant and Frati acknowledge the excellent care being provided by the Mie General Medical Center and would like to thank their Japanese colleagues.

“The hospital will continue to monitor and treat Jules and further medical updates will be provided when appropriate.”

You can read more about diffuse axonal injury on Former F1 Doc – Dr Gary Harstein’s blog here: http://formerf1doc.wordpress.com/2014/10/07/diffuse-axonal-injury/