Jules Bianchi crash update: 'Fighter' Bianchi remains in critical condition, confirms his father Philippe

Bianchi suffered a diffuse axonal injury after a heavy collision with a recovery vehicle in Japan last weekend

Marussia driver Jules Bianchi was taken to hospital unconscious following a crash at the Japanese Grand Prix (PA)

The father of Jules Bianchi says the Formula One driver remains in critical condition following his crash at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Bianchi's father, Philippe, is at his son's bedside at Mie General Medical Center in Japan.

Philippe Bianchi told local newspaper Nice Matin that "Jules is fighting as he always did, the same way as if he was racing. He is strong."

The 25-year-old Bianchi needed emergency surgery last week for a severe head injury after crashing into a mobile crane that was beside the track recovering another car which had run off the circuit at the same corner a lap earlier.

To honor Bianchi, Marussia is not running his car at this weekend's Russian Grand Prix.

AP