Bianchi's parents reveal son no longer in artificial coma

Marussia driver Jules Bianchi's parents have revealed that their son is no longer in an artificial coma and is breathing unaided.

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

However, Bianchi's condition is still critical and he remains unconscious. His parents Philippe and Christine Bianchi said in a statement that almost seven weeks after Bianchi's accident at Suzuka Circuit, and following a challenging period of neurological intensive care, they are able to announce that their son has made an important step, The BBC reported.

They said that his treatment now enters a new phase concerned with the improvement of his brain function, and added that although the situation continues to be serious, and may remain so, it was decided that Bianchi was sufficiently stable to be repatriated to his native France.

Bianchi's parents also said that 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.

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 that they owed an enormous debt of gratitude.

Philippe and Christine also said that they are thankful the next phase of their son's treatment can continue close to home, where he can be surrounded and supported by his wider family and friends.