Marussia Formula One driver Jules Bianchi
Marussia Formula One driver Jules Bianchi of France speaks to the media after a news conference at the Suzuka circuit October 2, 2014. French driver Bianchi was taken to hospital after being seriously injured in a crash that brought a halt to a wet Japanese Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday. Picture taken October 2, 2014. Reuters

Following his near-fatal accident at the Suzuka Grand Prix last Sunday, family members of Formula One Driver Jules Bianchi have flown to Japan from France to be by his side. They have since issued a statement to update the Formula One community as well as his fans from all over the world about his condition.

In a statement posted and distributed through the Marussia F1 Team's website, the Bianchi Family first expressed thanks for the outpouring of support and prayers from all over the world. The Marussia F1 Team was Bianchi's employer and he was driving one of their cars when the incident happened.

"This is a very difficult time for our family, but the messages of support and affection for Jules from all over the world have been a source of great comfort to us. We would like to express our sincere appreciation," the statement began. It went on to reveal that Bianchi remains in the Intensive Care Unit at the Mie General Medical Center located in Yokkaichi, Japan.

Further details about the injuries that he sustained were also revealed. In the statement, they referred to his injury as a diffuse axonal injury. In layman's terms, this means that he was travelling at a high velocity and was stopped abruptly due to his accident. When this happened, while the rest of his body stopped, his brain continued to move forward, causing the connecting nerves to rip.

The family then went on to thank members of the Japanese medical team that had been attending to the injured driver as well as the President of the FIA Medical Commission, Professor Gerard Saillant. They also revealed that the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team had requested the presence of a neurosurgeon to come to Japan. Professor Alessandro Frati of the University of Rome La Sapienza was called in by the team to consult with the Japanese medical team and possibly discuss further treatment, which will be decided by his family. The Ferrari Formula One Team has close ties with Bianchi after they gave him his first Formula One break as their test driver in the 2011 season.

Bianchi's family acknowledged that he is receiving the best care possible in Japan. The statement ended with a promise to keep updates coming whenever they felt that it was appropriate. Everyone in the Formula One community as well as racing fans all over the world are awaiting some positive news.