"You are my champion!"

Formula One is no stranger to accidents and on lap 43 of the Japanese Grand Prix, Marussia driver Jules Bianchi fell victim to just that. The Frenchman spun off in wet conditions and crashed into a recovery vehicle that was clearing up a previous crash, of Adrian Sutil. Bianchi became unconscious and failed to make contact with his team in the immediate aftermath of the crash. The race was red-flagged and cut short by nine laps, meaning Lewis Hamilton claimed his third win to go ten points clear in the championship.

Bianchi was treated at the scene and was driven to Mie University Hospital under police escort. The weather conditions made a medical air lift impossible. He underwent surgery and his father has told French media that his son is in a critical condition.

Bianchi's long term girlfriend, Camille Marchetti, sent out a prayer on Twitter last night;

"You are my champion! You are the strongest."

She has been joined by many F1 drivers including current leader Lewis Hamilton. Marchetti is an osteopathy student and is well known in the F1 community, often present at races cheering on her boyfriend.

F1 veteran Felipe Massa has expressed concerns at the weather conditions on that day. Massa, who in 2009 suffered life-threatening head injuries whilst qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix told ESPN that the race should've stopped earlier. He said that he 'was already screaming on the radio five laps before that there was too much water on the track but then they just took a little bit too long and it was dangerous.' Massa was one of the first to go to the hospital after the accident.

Marussia have thanked fans for their support and asked for "patience and understanding with regard to further medical updates", following Jules Bianchi's crash at the Japanese GP.

"Further medical updates will be communicated in conjunction with the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi, where Jules is being treated, when they feel it is appropriate.

"Representatives of the Marussia F1 Team and Ferrari will remain at the hospital to support Jules and the Bianchi family."

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