Bianchi was immediately transported to Mie General hospital by ambulance after the helicopter that would normally transport a seriously injured driver was grounded by the weather.  There was no immediate word on Bianchi’s condition beyond a terse report that he was “unconscious” when he was taken to the hospital.

According to reports, CT scan showed that he had suffered a severe head injury and was immediately taken to surgery.

He is currently in intensive care where he will be monitored.

His condition remains very critical.

The race was stopped after 47 of a scheduled 53 laps.