'Unconscious' Jules Bianchi breathing unaided

Marussia driver Jules Bianchi's family has revealed that the Formula One racer is unconscious but is able to breathe unaided.

The family revealed in a statement that Bianchi is undergoing a painstaking programme of rehabilitation therapy, adding that medical professionals in France have started the planned treatment.

Bianchi suffered severe head injuries when he crashed into a recovery vehicle in wet conditions at the Japanese Grand Prix on 5 October, and in November the Marussia driver was flown to Nice from Japan, and began breathing unaided after coming out of a coma, the BBC reported.

In their latest statement, parents Philippe and Christine Bianchi said that their son's neurological status remains unchanged, adding that he is unconscious but able to breathe unaided.

The parents also stated that whilst there is no significant information to report, they take a great deal of comfort from the fact that their son continues to fight, as they knew he would.

The Frenchman is in intensive care in Nice, where his condition is still critical, the report added.