'Bianchi's injury severe'

06 October 2014 - 02:01 By Reuters
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French driver Jules Bianchi underwent surgery yesterday after being seriously injured in a crash that brought a halt to a wet Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix.

An update issued late yesterday by the governing International Automobile Federation said Bianchi had suffered severe head injuries.

"The CT scan shows that he has suffered a severe head injury and he is currently undergoing surgery. Following this he will be moved to intensive care where he will be monitored," it said.

The unconscious Marussia driver had earlier been taken by ambulance to Mie General Hospital near the Suzuka circuit after an accident that brought out red flags and led to the race being stopped early.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton of Britain won the race to extend his lead over teammate Nico Rosberg to 10 points. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel finished third.

The accident occurred at the Dunlop Curve, where Adrian Sutil had aquaplaned off a lap earlier and involved a rescue tractor recovering the stricken Sauber.

Sutil, who was not hurt, said Bianchi's accident was very similar to his.

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