A medical update on Jules Bianchi

Maranello, 30 December – The parents of Jules Bianchi, Philippe and Christine, would like to provide the following information regarding Jules’ medical care.

A Statement from the Bianchi Family | 30 December

Nice, France

Tuesday 30 December 2014

18hrs CET

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.

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.

*Source-formula1.ferrari.com

Haas F1 acquires Marussia factory

According to Racecar Engineering, Gene Haas recently noted he was interested in participating in the Marussia F1 auction, which saw many of the crumbling team's assets sold off to the highest bidders. However, their Banbury factory was not part of the aforementioned auction.

Gene Haas has bought the facility and will use it as his European base with the team's headquarters being developed in North Carolina. With Ferrari power, Haas F1 will join the grid in 2016 with a TBD driver lineup.

The report also added that it is believed Haas also has access to data and designs for Marussia's planned 2015 car.

*Source- motorsport.com

F1 : Double points & standing starts to be dumped

The plan to have standing starts after safety car periods in 2015 has been abandoned after this week's meetings of the Strategy Group and F1 Commission.

After more research, concerns emerged regarding issues such as tyre temperatures and pressures, and the complex procedures required in the cockpit prior to any start it was decided to axe standing restarts from F1.

As has been expected for some time, double points for the final race have also gone after F1 insiders accepted that the public didn't like the idea. Fortunately they did not affect the outcome of this year's title battle, but they also did not contribute to extending it until the final race.

Teams have also provisionally agreed that the likes of Caterham and Marussia can use the 2014 spec engines, if they want to. Current rules allow manufacturers to homologate only one engine spec. 

Jules Bianchi out of induced coma!

Jules Bianchi is no longer in an induced coma but remains unconscious, his family said in a statement.

The Frenchman has been in an artificial coma since he suffered severe head trauma when he crashed into a recovery vehicle that was removing Adrian Sutil's Sauber at the Japanese Grand Prix at the beginning of October.

His family, though, issued an encouraging press release on Wednesday, confirming he is breathing unaided and will be moved from the hospital in Yokkaichi to the Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice.

"Jules is no longer in the artificial coma in which he was placed shortly after the accident, however he is still unconscious," the statement said.

"He is breathing unaided and his vital signs are stable, but his condition is still classified as 'critical'. His treatment now enters a new phase concerned with the improvement of his brain function.

"Jules' neurological condition remains stable. Although the situation continues to be serious, and may remain so, it was decided that Jules was sufficiently stable to be repatriated to his native France.

"We are relieved, therefore, to confirm that Jules was transferred aeromedically last night from the Mie Prefectural General Medical Center in Yokkaichi, Japan, to Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice (CHU), where he arrived just a short time ago.

"Jules is now in the intensive care unit of Professors Raucoules and Ichai, where his care will also be monitored by Professor Paquis, Head of Neurosurgery Service."

The family also expressed their gratitude to the medical staff at the Mie Prefectural General Medical Center.

The statement added: "We are thankful that the next phase of Jules' treatment can continue close to home, where he can be surrounded and supported by his wider family and friends.

"We have nothing but praise for the outstanding care provided by the Mie Prefectural General Medical Center since the accident.

"We owe the medical staff there an enormous debt of gratitude for everything they have done for Jules, and also for our family, during what is a very difficult time for us.

"In particular, we would like to extend our thanks to Doctors Kamei and Yamamichi, and also to Mr Ogura, all part of the team of personnel caring for Jules in Japan."