Jules Bianchi in serious condition after Japanese Grand Prix crash

Jules Bianchi has undergone surgery after suffering a severe head injury in a crash at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Earlier, governing body the FIA said the Marussia driver would be operated on before being moved to intensive care.

Jules Bianchi, 25, was unconscious when he was taken to hospital from Suzuka.

He was injured after hitting a recovery vehicle, prompting the stoppage of the rain-affected race in Suzuka after 44 laps.

Earlier reports in the French media said Jules Bianchi was breathing on his own following surgery. However there are now conflicting accounts.

Jules Bianchi lost control close to where Sauber driver Adrian Sutil had spun and hit the tire barrier.

As a recovery vehicle was lifting Sutil’s car, Jules Bianchi travelled across the run-off area and hit the back of the tractor.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the race ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg, but said: “It is obviously a real anti-climax to hear one of our colleagues is seriously injured. That is the main worry.”