Bianchi's Parents Take Legal Action

Jules Bianchi’s family have had a traumatic few years. Following the Marussia driver’s accident in 2014, his family did everything possible to support him in his nine month battle for his life. A report from an FIA accident panel brought more pain, blaming Bianchi himself for the accident that later claimed his life.

Now, Bianchi’s family are seeking justice for him, launching legal action against Formula 1’s governing body the FIA, Marussia, and the Formula One Group.

Bianchi’s father, Phillipe, made a statement on behalf of the family: “We seek justice for Jules, and want to establish the truth about the decisions that led to our son’s crash at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2014.

“As a family, we have so many unanswered questions and feel that Jules’ accident and death could have been avoided if a series of mistakes had not been made.”

The 2014 Japanese Grand Prix took place in extreme weather which had the field driving in heavy rain. The race had already been red flagged on lap two before the decision was made to resume the race twenty minutes later.

Adrian Sutil crashed at turn seven, where the semi-dry racing line narrowed. A recovery crane set out to recover the German’s car and, a lap later, Bianchi came off the track at the same place as Sutil. The Frenchman collided with the crane, suffering a diffuse axonal injury, and died nine months later.

An FIA accident panel investigated the crash and, in December, issued a 396 page report on their findings. Their conclusions found a series of problems, including that the Marussia’s unique design was incompatible with the FailSafe settings that could have saved Bianchi’s life.

Shockingly, they also blamed Bianchi.

“Bianchi did not slow sufficiently to avoid losing control at the same point on the track as Sutil.”

Bianchi’s family do not agree with the blame and part of their aim is to clear his name, as well as to improve safety in motorsport.

Stewarts Law partner Julian Chamberlayne is representing the Bianchi family, and said: “Jules Bianchi’s death was avoidable.

The FIA Panel Inquiry Report into this accident made numerous recommendations to improve safety in Formula 1 but failed to identify where errors had been made which led to Jules’ death.

It was surprising and distressing to the Bianchi family that the FIA panel in its conclusions, whilst noting a number of contributing factors, blamed Jules.

The Bianchi family are determined that this legal process should require those involved to provide answers and to take responsibility for any failings.

This is important if current and future drivers are to have confidence that safety in the sport will be put first.

“If this had been the case in Suzuka, Jules Bianchi would most likely still be alive and competing in the sport he loved today.”

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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
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Jules Bianchi - 1989-2015

ENGLISH: It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jules Bianchi. The young F1 driver had been battling injuries sustained in a crash at Suzuka circuit last year. He had been in a coma for the last 9 months, fighting the most important race of his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends, Manor F1 Team and of course everyone who had the great privilege of knowing Jules. He was loved very much by everyone in and out of the sport and he will be deeply missed.

Jules was a very talented driver & had such amazing potential in the sport. We will never forget when he scored his & Marussia's first points in Monaco. Not only was he a talent but he was also a genuine human with a heart of gold. He was always smiling, always happy and an overall wonderful guy. Words cannot express the sadness that we & so many others are currently feeling.  There is no doubt he was a fighter and a true champion.

Rest in peace, Jules.


ITALIA: E 'con il cuore pesante che annunciamo la scomparsa di Jules Bianchi. Il pilota di F1 giovane era stato combattendo ferite riportate in un incidente sul circuito di Suzuka l'anno scorso. Era stato in coma per gli ultimi 9 mesi, combattendo la gara più importante della sua vita. I nostri pensieri e preghiere sono con la sua famiglia, i suoi amici, Manor F1 Team e, naturalmente, tutti coloro che hanno avuto il grande privilegio di conoscere Jules. Era amato moltissimo da tutti dentro e fuori dello sport e lui mancherà profondamente.

Jules era un pilota di grande talento e aveva come potenziale incredibile in questo sport. Non dimenticheremo mai quando ha segnato il suo e Marussia di primi punti nel Principato di Monaco. Non solo era un talento, ma era anche un vero e proprio uomo con un cuore d'oro. Lui era sempre sorridente, sempre felice e un ragazzo meraviglioso complesso. Le parole non possono esprimere la tristezza che abbiamo e tanti altri stiamo sentendo. Non vi è alcun dubbio che era un combattente e un vero campione.

Riposa in pace, Jules.

FRANCAIS: Il est le cœur lourd que nous devons annoncer le décès de Jules Bianchi. Le jeune pilote de F1 avait été aux prises avec des blessures subies dans un accident sur le circuit de Suzuka l'an dernier. Il avait été dans le coma pendant les 9 derniers mois, la lutte contre la course la plus importante de sa vie. Nos pensées et nos prières sont avec sa famille, ses amis, Manor F1 Team et bien sûr tout le monde qui a eu le grand privilège de connaître Jules. Il était aimé par tous beaucoup dans et hors du sport et il nous manquera beaucoup.

Jules était un pilote très talentueux et il y avait un tel potentiel incroyable dans le sport. Nous ne pourrons jamais oublier quand il a marqué ses premiers points de Marussia et à Monaco. Non seulement il était un talent mais il était aussi un véritable humain avec un cœur d'or. Il était toujours souriant, toujours heureux et un gars merveilleux ensemble. Les mots ne peuvent exprimer la tristesse que nous et tant d'autres sommes en train de sentiment. Il ne fait aucun doute qu'il était un combattant et un vrai champion.

Reposez en paix, Jules.

RIP Jules Bianchi 1989-2015 / Son, Brother, Racer & Fighter

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Jules Bianchi: Driver & Fighter

When the current Formula 1 season started earlier this year in March, I never thought I'd be sitting here, writing an article like this. Of course, we're all aware of the dangers that any Motorsport can hold. We all know the statistics and the possibilities.. So why is it so hard to accept it when someone actually gets hurt? Well, maybe it's because we've become so used to drivers walking away from wrecks and fires without a scratch.

    It's been a little over a week since the Japanese Grand Prix. The race that changed things, the race that made me and so many others look at racing with a different point of view. As the rain pelted down on to the circuit of Suzuka, I knew the risks, I knew of accidents from other "Wet Races" - But I never expected a young, innocent man to have to fight such a battle.

    Jules Bianchi, the 25-year-old driver for Marussia F1 team is currently in critical condition in Yokkaichi Hospital, located in Japan. He had crashed heavily into a recovery tractor during the Japanese GP, before being rushed to the hospital VIA ambulance. He underwent emergency surgery and it was later announced he had suffered a Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) - One of the most severe injuries to the brain.

    We, like so many others, have been sending our prayers and support to Jules and his family. I've seen support from all the other Formula 1 drivers and even drivers from other Championships, ranging from Le Mans to MotoGP. Fans have made signs, pictures, and videos, urging Jules to fight and get better.

    On the Thursday before the Japanese GP, I watched the Drivers Press Conference, watched as Jules talked about his season and how he felt about his performance with Marussia so far this year. I never would have thought that only a few days later, he would be on his way to the hospital.

    As the teams headed to Russia for the recent Russian GP, nothing felt the same. Everything felt strange. Strange and heavy. As the drivers grouped in a circle before the race, having a moment of silence in respect of Jules, I myself closed my eyes, sharing the silence. It is an indescribable feeling when a driver is missing from the grid, when you don't see them around the paddock or prepping in the garage for a Session run.

    If there's one thing I know about Jules, it's that he's a fighter. I often think back to Monaco, earlier this year, when he scored Marussia their first ever points. I remember thinking to myself that without a doubt, he's not a rookie anymore, he's a future champion. He fought hard for those points and right now, he is fighting for the most important thing, more important than any trophy or medal. He's fighting for his life.
    
      I don't know when his condition will improve.. I know things take time and everything is just so fragile right now. The only thing we can do is just continue to keep the positivity going around with thoughts and prayers. We send our love to the Bianchi family and to the other drivers during this tough time.
 
Keep fighting Jules, everyone's cheering you on.

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk

Jules Bianchi in Hospital after crash at Suzuka

Jules Bianchi, 25, is currently in the ICU at a local Japanese hospital after a horrifying crash at Suzuka. 

The French driver had crashed into a recovery crane that was currently preparing to take away the stricken Sauber of Adrian Sutil. Sutil was there when the accident happened. He said it was very similar to his own crash, but "With a different outcome" 

Jules arrived at the nearest hospital VIA ambulance and underwent emergency surgery for severe brain injuries. He was confirmed as breathing on his own, but unconscious. We have been told there is a possibility of an update later today. 

This is the only confirmed news we can give you and we refuse to make any speculations. We will update when given confirmed information. We also refuse to post or share any of the accident photos.

This is a really hard time for everyone, including Bianchi's family. Please keep him in your thoughts & prayers.

Forza Jules, we're thinking of you.

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk

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Japanese GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Marussia

Preview Quotes - Marussia: 

Max Chilton - "It's great to come back to Japan. I love everything about the country, although with the back to back with Sochi I won't get to see as much of it this year. Suzuka is a fantastic track, one of the highlights of the calendar. It's such a technical circuit and it has an enormous amount of history attached to it. I've watched some great battles here over the years. I had a good weekend in Singapore, so I feel really fired up for this race and hopefully another good fight with Caterham. With only five races remaining, it's important that we make each one count to ensure we maintain our current hold on 9th in the Constructors' Championship. In the meantime, I'm really looking forward to seeing the Japanese fans again; they're an awesome crowd."

Jules Bianchi - "I really enjoyed my first experience of Suzuka last year, but it was a less than straightforward weekend, so I'm hoping for better things this time around. The race itself was short-lived, as I was hit from behind on the opening lap, so I'm really looking forward to the race here. Suzuka is a great track; a big test of car and driver and some of the corners here are fantastic. I think we all remember seeing some really incredible racing here, especially in the Prost-Senna era, so it is a very special place, made all the more so by the fans, who are always very excited and passionate about the sport."

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk.

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Singapore GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Marussia

Preview Quotes - Marussia


Max Chilton - “It’s great to be heading back to Singapore. It’s a fantastic city and the atmosphere of the night race is totally electric. I have great memories of winning there in GP2 in 2012, so it’s always nice to come back and race here. The track is not dissimilar to Monaco, another street circuit, and we know our car is well-suited to those track characteristics. I had quite a good race here last year and with only six races remaining, it’s important that we have a good showing at every round.”

Jules Bianchi - “I really enjoyed my first night race experience here last year; it’s such an unusual and exciting event with a really great atmosphere. It’s fun, doing things differently. Having to push yourself to adopt a new regime is an interesting challenge that requires real discipline. The track characteristics are quite a lot like Monaco, which is a race that is special for a couple of reasons, not least because I finished in the points there. With so many similarities, this is a circuit that also gives me a good feeling. Last year the race did not pan out so well for me, but we learned a great deal and I hope we can bring that experience together to achieve a good result this year. Our car should work well here with all the corners, and as it is often an eventful race, we will be fighting to take advantage of every opportunity.”

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Article Posted By: Amy Hawk.
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Italian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Marussia

Preview Quotes - Marussia

Jules Bianchi - "Every driver has a few favourite Grand Prix venues, but I consider myself very fortunate to have effectively four home races on the calendar this season: Monaco, Silverstone, Monza and Sochi. I am very proud to be a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and I know how special this race is for Scuderia Ferrari. To be able to race in front of the Tifosi is a very exciting and intensely emotional experience and it is nice to know that not just me, but the whole Marussia F1 Team, can feel part of that this weekend in Monza, as the fans will want everything Ferrari to be successful. The last race in Spa did not go well for me and it was especially disappointing after a qualifying performance I felt very pleased with. I hope to combine a good qualifying with a good race this time and reward the passion of the Italian fans."

Max Chilton - "The Italian Grand Prix is a significant race for the whole Team as not only is this the final European round of the season, but also the home race of our powertrain partners, Scuderia Ferrari. I love Monza; it's impossible not to get caught up in the magic of such a historic racing venue and I always take a trip out to the old banking when I race here. I had a good race in Spa, which enabled the Team to achieve at least part of its objectives for the weekend. For the remaining Grands Prix we need to keep fighting for good qualifying and race results, to ensure we maintain our current grasp on 9th place in the Constructors' Championship. I'm looking forward to the whole Monza experience and, hopefully, a nice reward for the support I'm sure we will receive from the Tifosi."

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Hungarian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Marussia

Preview Quotes - Marussia

Jules Bianchi - "I have some good memories of Hungary as my second race in Eurocup in Formula Renault took place here in 2007 and I got two pole positions. It is an interesting track because there are big braking events, long corners and some quite bumpy parts and also there is little time to draw breath around the lap. It will be a busy week for sure, and probably a very hot one, so I hope we can have a nice reward and end the first part of the season in a strong position versus the cars around us."

Max Chilton - "I really like the Hungaroring and it's a place that holds special memories for me having won here in GP2 from pole position. The track is quite arduous as the lap is so relentless and the temperatures can be tough for the cars and the Team. It is all corners, so driving technique and car set-up are very important. In development terms we need a strong and reliable weekend, hopefully benefiting from what we learned in Germany last week. The progress continues but we need to ensure we can realise more of it during the course of a race, so we're not finding ourselves out of position with the Caterhams."

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German GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Marussia

Preview Quotes - Marussia

Jules Bianchi - "I have always enjoyed the Hockenheimring, having raced here in the junior formulae and with good memories of having won there much earlier in my career. The target is a little different for this weekend, but having made it into Q2 at Silverstone, we are hoping to show that we are even closer to Sauber, hopefully with another good qualifying. We had a positive test at Silverstone and I hope this will help us to have two strong races before we head into the summer break."

Max Chilton - "It will be good to be back in the car again in Germany, where I hope we'll see some of the benefit of a really good test at Silverstone last week. I really like the Hockenheimring. It's quite a challenging track and one you can really attack and have some fun with. We demonstrated at the last race that we continue to make good progress, particularly in qualifying, so we're hoping for more of the same this weekend."

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British GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Marussia

Preview Quotes - Marussia

Jules Bianchi - “I think this will be a very exciting weekend for the team as we will be racing not only in front of the British fans but also many of the staff from the factory, as well as their friends and families. Of course, this brings a certain pressure, but the car performs well at a high speed circuit like this so I’m sure we can have a good race and achieve a nice reward for the team. I like Silverstone very much. It’s a fast track, so fun to drive, and also there is a lot of history to the circuit. Perhaps the British weather will play a part, which will help to make things even more interesting.”

Max Chilton - “This weekend is naturally one of the big highlights of the season, both for me and the whole team. It’s a fantastic occasion, made all the more special this year by the 50th anniversary celebrations, which I’m sure will be amazing. It’s always a special feeling to race in front of the wider team and of course the British fans, who are so passionate and create that incredible sea of Union Jacks in the grandstands. I can’t wait for the weekend. Silverstone is a great track and I hope we can achieve a really good result there.”

Article Written By: Amy Hawk

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Quotes made by Drivers.