Jules Bianchi: Injured Formula 1 driver has rehabilitation therapy

Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi is undergoing a "painstaking programme of rehabilitation therapy".

A family statement said medical professionals in France have started the planned treatment.

The Marussia driver suffered severe head injuries when he crashed into a recovery vehicle in wet conditions at the Japanese Grand Prix on 5 October.

In November Bianchi, 25, was flown to Nice from Japan, and began breathing unaided. after coming out of a coma.

In Tuesday's latest statement, parents Philippe and Christine Bianchi said: "Jules's 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."

The Frenchman is in intensive care in Nice, where his condition is still "critical".

He has been receiving treatment to try and improve his brain function.

Bianchi suffered a diffuse axonal injury  when he crashed into a tractor vehicle at Suzuka that was recovering Adrian Sutil's Sauber.