Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi's parents head to Japan

TOKYO (AP) - The parents of Formula One driver Jules Bianchi are traveling to Japan to see their son, who is in intensive care with a severe head injury after a crash during the Japanese Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old Bianchi is in critical condition at Mie General Medical Center after undergoing emergency surgery following Sunday's crash into a trackside recovery crane.

Hospital officials declined to comment on Bianchi's condition Monday and the Marussia team released a statement saying it will "respect, and be guided by, the wishes of the Bianchi family" with regard to the release of information.

It is unclear when Bianchi's parents, Philippe and Christine, are due to arrive in Japan.

Bianchi crashed on the 44th lap in Sunday's rain-shortened race at the Suzuka circuit. His car went off at Turn 7, where Sauber driver Adrian Sutil had crashed two laps earlier.

According to a report issued by FIA, Bianchi lost control of his car, travelled across the run-off area and hit the back of the tractor that was being used to remove Sutil's car.

Bianchi was unconscious when he was taken from Suzuka to the hospital.

Sunday's race started at 3 p.m. local time. An approaching typhoon led to suggestions that the race would be pushed up to an earlier start, but it wasn't.

At the time of the crash, rain was falling steadily and it was getting dark. Several drivers complained of not being able to see properly.
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