Jules Bianchi’s family have confirmed that the 25-year-old has begun rehabilitation therapy at a French hospital, despite his neurological condition remaining unchanged.
The F1 driver suffered a diffuse axonal injury following a crash at the Japanese Grand Prix in early October. Following several weeks in a Japanese Intensive Care unit, he was transferred to a hospital nearer his family home in France.
Whilst his condition remains unchanged since the family’s last update in November, they said a programme of rehabilitation could now begin, but warned it would be a “slow process”.
“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,” reads a statement released by his parents, Philippe and Christine Bianchi.
“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.”
The statement continued with the family thanking everyone for the support they and Jules have received over the past few months.
“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,” they added.
“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.”
