Jules Bianchi to start rehabilitation therapy

It was announced this afternoon by Jules Bianchi's family in a statement to the media that even though Jules' neurological state remains unchanged, he has begun a rehabilitation therapy programme in France.

In the latest statement released on behalf of Bianchi’s parents Philippe and Christine, the family said there was no new significant information to report regarding the French driver’s health following his crash during the Japanese Grand Prix.

Bianchi had been finally transferred to a French hospital at the end of last month, seven weeks after his dramatic accident at Suzuka.

In their statement today to the media, they confirmed that Jules continues to breathe unaided while unconscious and that he has started his rehabilitation programme.

The Bianchi's family stated the following on Jules' condition as follows:-

'As we reach the conclusion of a difficult year for our family, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a further update regarding Jules’ medical situation, per our pledge to communicate continued information, when appropriate, to his many fans.

'It was a significant and very comforting step for us to be able to bring Jules home to France last month, to continue his rehabilitation surrounded by his family and friends. This is very important for Jules and also for us.

'Since that time, Jules has received the very best treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice (CHU) and now at the CHU’s rehabilitation centre for this kind of trauma. Jules’ neurological status remains unchanged; he is unconscious but able to breathe unaided.

'Whilst there is no significant information to report, we take a great deal of comfort from the fact that Jules continues to fight, as we knew he would, and this has enabled the medical professionals caring for him to commence the planned, but very painstaking, programme of rehabilitation therapy.'

Further on in their statement today, the Bianchi family said it continued to be touched by the overwhelming support received during the past weeks. The Bianchi family added the following:-

'As we reflect on the events of the past few months, we would like to acknowledge once again the overwhelming warmth and affection shown towards our son.

'These continue to be challenging times for our family, but the knowledge that he has touched the lives of so many people all around the world has helped us through. We would also like to acknowledge the respect and support shown by the media towards our family during this time, for which we are extremely grateful.

'We will continue to provide information when it is possible to do so and our sincere appreciation to everyone who continues to pray for Jules.'

It is nice to hear that Bianchi has made a small step forward with his health and his condition can be as stable as it can be considering the circumstances. Even though this is a difficult time for the Bianchi family, his friends and his colleagues, it is nice to see the F1 Family supporting and thinking of the family who I simply cannot imagine what they are going through right now.

It is clear from the statement made by the Bianchi family that Jules has the best possible medical care that he could have and the medical team will be doing everything they can for Jules, his health and his recovery and also for the family too and will released further information as and when they feel it is right to do so.

Driving for Pleasure will keep you updated with Bianchi as soon as we receive something official from the hospital, Bianchi's family, the Marussia team or any official publication such as Autosport. But our main concern and priority right now is that Jules is okay after his accident and that he is as well as he can be under these difficult circumstances.

All I can say is that all at Driving for Pleasure's thoughts and prayers are with the Bianchi family, his friends and colleagues during this sad and difficult time. And we are all behind you Jules and keep fighting. #ForzaJules