FORMULA ONE: Jules Bianchi, Formula One Driver, Remains In Critical Condition; Marussia F1 Team Ask For Patience

Marussia driver Jules Bianchi of France waves during drivers' parade before the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, central Japan, on Sunday. (Shizuo Kambayashi/The Associated Press)

The parents of Formula One driver Jules Bianchi are travelling to Japan to see their son, who is in intensive care with a severe head injury after a crash during the Japanese Grand Prix, GRAPHITTI NEWS can now report.

The 25-year-old Bianchi is in critical condition at Mie General Medical Center after undergoing emergency surgery following Sunday's crash into a trackside recovery crane, according to cbc sports.

Hospital officials declined to comment on Bianchi's condition Monday and the Marussia team released a statement saying it will "respect, and be guided by, the wishes of the Bianchi family" with regard to the release of information.

It is unclear when Bianchi's parents, Philippe and Christine, are due to arrive in Japan.

Bianchi crashed on the 44th lap in Sunday's rain-shortened race at the Suzuka circuit. His car went off at Turn 7, where Sauber driver Adrian Sutil had crashed two laps earlier.

Jules Bianchi receives urgent medical treatment after crashing during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix. GETTY IMAGES

According to a report issued by FIA, Bianchi lost control of his car, travelled across the run-off area and hit the back of the tractor that was being used to remove Sutil's car.

Bianchi was unconscious when he was taken from Suzuka to the hospital.

Sunday's race started at 3 p.m. local time. An approaching typhoon led to suggestions that the race would be pushed up to an earlier start, but it wasn't.

At the time of the crash, rain was falling steadily and it was getting dark. Several drivers complained of not being able to see properly.

Meanwhile Press Association reports Marussia have issued a statement thanking fans for their support and asked for "patience and understanding" after Jules Bianchi's accident at Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

A Marussia statement issued on Monday said: "Following the accident involving Jules Bianchi during yesterday's 2014 Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, the Marussia F1 Team would like to acknowledge the huge outpouring of support and affection for Jules and the Team at this very difficult time.

"With regard to the communication of information concerning Jules' medical condition, we will respect, and be guided by, the wishes of the Bianchi family. Together with Jules' care, they will remain our highest priority.

"Therefore, we would ask for patience and understanding with regard to further medical updates, which will be communicated in conjunction with the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi, where Jules is being treated, when they feel it is appropriate.

"Representatives of the Marussia F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari will remain at the hospital to support Jules and the Bianchi family."

The Formula One season moves on to Sochi in Russia for next weekend's race and it remains to be seen whether or not Marussia take part.

An ambulance was sent to the scene in Suzuka immediately after Bianchi's crash, which had knocked him unconscious, and the race was halted at 44 laps, with Lewis Hamilton being declared the winner.

The FIA, F1's governing body, subsequently issued a statement which read: ''Adrian Sutil lost control of his car, spun and hit the tyre barrier on the outside of Turn 7.

''The marshals displayed double waved yellow flags before the corner to warn drivers of the incident. A recovery vehicle was despatched in order to lift the car and take it to a place of safety behind the guardrail.

''While this was being done the driver of car 17, Jules Bianchi, lost control of his car, travelled across the run-off area and hit the back of the tractor.

''Once the marshals reported that the driver was injured, medical teams were despatched and the Safety Car was deployed. These were followed by an extrication team and an ambulance.

''The driver was removed from the car, taken to the circuit medical centre and then by ambulance to Mie General Hospital."

It added that a CT scan had shown Bianchi suffered "a severe head injury" and that he was to undergo surgery before being moved to intensive care.

Marussia's Jules Bianchi required surgery on a severe head injury after an accident in wet weather at the Japanese Grand Prix. Credits: PA

The race, under threat of cancellation in the build-up as Typhoon Phanfone headed towards Suzuka, had already been red-flagged due to torrential rain in the early stages before Bianchi's accident.

During a prolonged dry spell in between, Briton Hamilton caught and passed Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg on lap 29 before disappearing into the distance.

The rain then came down again, driving conditions deteriorated and Bianchi crashed out, prompting the red flags to return and the race to be ended with nine laps to go.

A subdued Hamilton, who has opened up a 10-point lead in the championship over Germany's second-placed Rosberg with four races remaining, said: ''Our first thoughts go to Jules.

''It overshadows everything else when one of our colleague is injured and we are praying for him. Next to this, the race result doesn't seem significant at all.

"Nico and I had a tough battle, we were pushing really hard... But like I said, that's not what matters - our thoughts are with Jules.''

Williams driver Felipe Massa has said he had been "screaming" over his radio during the race about the amount of water on the track, but former FIA president Max Mosley believes "everything was done as it should have been" in relation to safety. 

Asked if F1 is doing everything right to secure the safety of its drivers, Mosley told Sky Sports News on Monday: "I think it is. I think what happened in Suzuka was very unfortunate, a freak accident. But I can't really fault any of the people involved - the marshals or the race director, any of those people. I think everything was done as it should have been."

Massa said he was trying his best to get the race called off in the run up to Sutil and Bianchi's accidents.

''I was already screaming on the radio five laps before the safety car that there was too much water on the track, but they took a bit too long and it was dangerous," the Brazilian said on Sunday.