Jules Bianchi has Traumatic Brain Injury, Says Family

French Formula One driver Jules Bianchi remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital in Japan after suffering a traumatic brain injury, a joint statement by his family and the hospital said on Tuesday. (Horror footage of Jules Bianchi's F1 crash emerges)

"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 statement, distributed by his Marussia team, read. (Also read: Michael Schumacher could lead a 'normal life' again, says former Ferrari boss)

"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." (More tragedy for the Bianchi family)

The 25-year-old Bianchi sustained the injury in an horrific high-speed crash into a recovery vehicle which came onto the side of the track near the end of Sunday's rain-hit Japanese Grand Prix.

He was taken unconscious by ambulance to the nearest hospital and immediately underwent emergency brain surgery with doctors saying he was critically ill.

His parents Philippe and Christine flew to Japan to be at his bedside and they were joined on Tuesday by celebrated French surgeon Gérard Saillant, who treated Michael Schumacher after his near-fatal skiing accident last December.

"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," the joint statement said.

"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."

The race on Sunday was stopped shortly after Bianchi's crash with championship leader Lewis Hamilton, who was leading at the time, declared the winner.

The recovery vehicle involved in the crash was trying to remove Adrian Sutil's stricken Sauber, which had crashed at the same spot on the circuit a lap earlier.

Organisers have come in for criticism over the timing of the race, which went ahead despite torrential downpours caused by an approaching typhoon.

Drivers repeatedly complained that they could not see properly because of the spray and the fading light.