Jules Bianchi dies from injuries suffered in Japanese Grand Prix crash

ESPN ^ | 7/7/2015 | Associated Press

[God luvs America]

NICE, France -- The family of Jules Bianchi says the French Formula One driver has died from head injuries sustained in a crash at last year's Japanese Grand Prix.

The news was posted on Bianchi's official Twitter feed early Saturday morning French time and later confirmed by the Manor F1 team.

Bianchi, 25, had been in a coma since the Oct. 5 accident, in which he collided at high speed with a mobile crane which was being used to pick up another crashed car.

The family statement said "Jules fought right to the very end, as he always did, but today his battle came to an end. The pain we feel is immense and indescribable."

Bianchi competed in 34 races over the 2013 and 2014 seasons, scoring the first ever championship points for Manor -- then known as Marussia -- by finishing ninth at last year's Monaco Grand Prix.

The Manor team tweeted: "We are devastated to lose Jules after such a hard-fought battle. It was a privilege to have him race for our team."

[God luvs America]

Bianchi finally succumbs after a vicious accident in the Japanese GP almost a year ago sliding off track. Ran with the back markers but placed in the Monaco GP last year.

Video of crash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-g5Smc0DfM

[God luvs America]

F1 ping- Bianchi passes away.

[God luvs America]

try that you tube link again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-g5Smc0DfM

[henkster]

Sad.

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

It is sad to see a race driver cut down in his prime. It is possibly sadder to see one taken from us before he’s realized his full potential.

Jules’s death made me think of CART driver Jeff Krosnoff, who took a rather roundabout path to the big leagues of American open-wheel racing before his tragic end at Toronto in 1996. He showed considerable promise driving in Formula Atlantic, but when a ride in IndyCar didn’t materialize he turned his attention to SCCA Pro Trucks (not sure that’s the correct name for the series, but it was basically a series for compact pickup trucks). That led to several years racing in Japan, which included a drive at LeMans as part of Toyota’s factory team.

When he decided to take another shot at CART, one team that considered him was Target Chip Ganassi Racing. He ultimately lost out on that ride to none other than Alex Zanardi. Jeff landed at Arciero-Wells Racing, which was the lead development team for Toyota’s fledgling effort as an engine supplier to CART. Although wins, or for that matter points-paying finishes, were out of the question, Jeff nonetheless turned in some impressive drives prior to his death at Toronto.

And that came due to an unfortunate set of circumstances as he followed two other cars into T3; all three were racing for position. Jeff pulled out to pass Stefan Johanssen, who at the same time decided to attempt a pass on Emerson Fittipaldi ahead of him. Jeff’s car touched wheels with Johanssen’s car, which sent him airborne into the catch fencing.

RIP, Jules. We may never know how great you might have been. Say hello to Jeff for me.

[DAC21]

Holy crap, looked like suicide by F1 car

[fieldmarshaldj]

Sad. RIP.

[doorgunner69]

Yeah, like WTF, no attempt to steer away? maybe his steering was broken. Recall how the old GP cars were sometimes too light/fragile and broke that way.

[Chode]

just damn... Prayers up.

[Kaosinla]

I’ve been checking, periodically, for any news on Jules’ condition hoping for some encouraging info. But when his father stated he was less optimistic a few days ago, it may have been based on prep. by the treating physicians. Sad end to a long struggle.

Godspeed Jules

[Wayne07]

He slid off because it was wet, and in the exact same spot as another driver did a few laps before (Adrian Sutil), which is why he sadly crashed into the equipment trying to get the other car off track. Once a car like that starts sliding across the wet grass and gravel, there isn't enough grip to steer.

It was really sad, he was an up and coming driver who likely had a really interesting life and racing career ahead.

[God luvs America]

krosnoff’s accident was viscous- a track worker also died in that accident...

[paulcissa]

FIA made a decision to run this race in a declared typhoon. They must feel good about themselves. Will Bernie Ecclestone return F1 to the days of "one race-one dead" of the '70's?

F1 is again getting to that place again where the show and the money are more important than the safety of the drivers. Shame on them all. Jules died from wanton greed. RIP Jules.

[mabarker1]

RIP Sir

Now driving for God in Heaven

Prayers to All Family and Friends

[Captain Jack Aubrey]

So sad. He had everything and then nothing.

[God luvs America]

had little to do with anything....1) it happened in a yellow flag area 2) there were approximately 4 laps left in the race and 99% of the race had been run safely 3) Bianchi was the only serious accident...

[Steve_Seattle]

This ends an amazing no-fatality streak for F1 - more than 20 years. Senna was the last to die, way back in 1994.

[Chode]

Amen