F1's Bianchi Dies 9 Months After Crash

The racing world is in mourning after Formula One driver Jules Bianchi died from head injuries sustained in a crash at last year's Japanese Grand Prix. The Frenchman's family posted the sad news on Bianchi's official Twitter feed and it was later confirmed by the Sheffield based Manor F1 team. Bianchi, 25, had been in a coma since the October 5 accident in which he collided at high speed with a mobile crane which was being used to pick up another crashed car. A statement issued by his parents Philippe and Christine, his brother Tom and sister Melanie 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." The Manor team, who are based at Dinnington, tweeted: "We are devastated to lose Jules after such a hard-fought battle. It was a privilege to have him race for our team." Retired world champion racing driver Mario Andretti tweeted: "My heartfelt condolences to the Jules Bianchi family for this very sad ending of a promising young life. My prayers are with you. RIPJules." Tributes flooded in for Bianchi who competed in 34 races over the 2013 and 2014 seasons, scoring the first championship points for Manor - then known as Marussia - by finishing fifth at last year's Monaco Grand Prix. British driver Max Chilton tweeted: "No words can describe what his family & the sport have lost. All I can say it was a pleasure knowing & racing you." Bianchi's accident prompted F1 to alter its safety regulations and stop a race faster under caution-flag conditions.