Jules Bianchi: Injured Formula 1 driver 'out of coma'

Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi is no longer in an artificial coma and is breathing unaided, his parents have said in a statement.

The Marussia driver, 25, suffered severe head injuries when he crashed in wet conditions into a recovery vehicle at the Japanese GP on 5 October. 
The Frenchman has been flown from hospital in Yokkaichi to intensive care in Nice, where he arrived earlier.

However his condition is still "critical" and he remains unconscious. 
"Almost seven weeks after Jules' accident at Suzuka Circuit, and following a challenging period of neurological intensive care, we are able to announce Jules has made an important step," his parents Philippe and Christine Bianchi said.

"His treatment now enters a new phase concerned with the improvement of his brain function. 
"Although the situation continues to be serious, and may remain so, it was decided that Jules was sufficiently stable to be repatriated to his native France." 
They said they were "relieved" to confirm their son had been transferred to Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, "where he arrived just a short time ago". 

Formula 1's drivers paid tribute to Jules Bianchi before the Russian Grand Prix a week after the crash

Bianchi suffered a diffuse axonal injury  when he crashed into a tractor vehicle at Suzuka that was recovering Adrian Sutil's Sauber. 
The Marussia team ran with one car the following week at the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, where Lewis Hamilton dedicated his win to Bianchi. 
His parents praised the "outstanding care" Bianchi received following the accident from doctors at the Mie General Medical Centre in Yokkaichi, adding they owed "an enormous debt of gratitude". 
"We are thankful the next phase of Jules' treatment can continue close to home, where he can be surrounded and supported by his wider family and friends," they said.

Since the crash, Formula 1's governing body the FIA has begun working on a plan for a 'virtual safety car' to force drivers to slow for warning flags in an accident zone. 
Drivers tested such a car following first practice for the US Grand Prix on 31 October, however the system cannot be implemented immediately because of the complexity of the cars