French Formula One driver Jules Bianchi is undergoing surgery after suffering a severe head injury during the rain-soaked Japanese Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old Marussia driver came off the tracks at the same section where recovery vehicles were removing Adrian Sutil’s car from the circuit and collided with a tractor.

== Formula One’s racing body (FIA) said the driver was taken from the car unconscious and airlifted to hospital. Here is the statement in full:

“On lap 42, 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 dispatched in order to lift the car and take it to a place of safety behind the guard rail. 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 dispatched 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.”

The race was ended soon after the incident. All three podium drivers sent their wishes. Winner Lewis Hamilton admitted the heavy rain had caused problems throughout the race.