Marussia driver Jules Bianchi's family gives update on his condition

London: The family of Marussia driver Jules Bianchi, who met with a terrible accident at the Japanese Grand Prix, has issued an update on his condition.

The family revealed he suffered a diffuse axonal injury (external) and is regarded as "critical but stable", the BBC reports.

The family said that Jules remained in the Intensive Care Unit of the Mie General Medical Centre in Yokkaichi.

The Frenchman was unconscious at the time he was taken to hospital and underwent an operation on Sunday after he suffered a severe head injury following the crash. He was injured when his car left the Suzuka track where Adrian Sutil had crashed the lap before.

Bianchi's car hit a recovery vehicle that was removing Sutil's car, the BBC reported.

Marussia had earlier thanked fans for their support and asked for patience and understanding with regard to further medical updates about Bianchi's condition.

The team added that they would like to acknowledge the huge outpouring of affection and support for Bianchi. They also revealed that further medical updates would be communicated in conjunction with the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi , where Bianchi is being treated, when they feel it is appropriate.

Bianchi's crash prompted the race to be stopped after 44 laps with Mercedes driver and championship leader Lewis Hamilton being awarded the race victory.

Bianchi, who made his Formula One debut with Marussia in 2013 and is also a member of the Ferrari young driver academy after previously working as a test driver for the team, lost control close to where Sauber driver Sutil had spun and hit the tyre barrier.

As a recovery vehicle was lifting Sutil's car, Bianchi travelled across the run-off area and hit the back of the tractor, the report added.