The FIA has confirmed that Marussia driver Jules Bianchi has suffered a serious head injury and is undergoing surgery following an incident during the Japanese Grand Prix.
The Frenchman hit the rear of a recovery vehicle after losing control of his car at Turn 7 on lap 43.
The tractor had been tending to the Sauber of Adrian Sutil, who had aquaplaned off the road at the same place prior to the incident.
Bianchi was taken to the Suzuka medical centre before being transferred to Mie General Hospital in an unconscious state.
The FIA has now confirmed that Bianchi is undergoing surgery for a severe head injury. He will then be moved to intensive care.
“The CT scan shows that he has suffered a severe head injury and is currently undergoing surgery”, read a statement from the FIA.
“Following this, he will be moved to intensive care where he will be monitored.
“Mie General Hospital will issued an update as soon as further information becomes available.”