Jules Bianchi (right) is no longer in an artificial coma but remains unconscious and in a critical condition, his family have said.

The 25-year-old Frenchman suffered a diffuse axonal injury to his brain, which involves widespread damage, in a horrific crash in wet conditions at the Japanese Grand Prix on October 5.

He underwent immediate surgery upon his arrival at the Mie General Medical Centre in Yokkaichi, but after weeks of little change in his condition, Bianchi’s family issued an update yesterday.

“Almost seven weeks after Jules’s accident at Suzuka Circuit, and following a challenging period of neurological intensive care, we are able to announce that Jules has made an important step,” a statement said.

“Jules is no longer in the artificial coma in which he was placed shortly after the accident, however he is still unconscious.

“He is breathing unaided and his vital signs are stable, but his condition is still classified as ‘critical’. His treatment now enters a new phase concerned with the improvement of his brain function.”

The statement also said that, following the improvement in his condition, Bianchi has been flown from Japan to a hospital in Nice, France.

“Although the situation continues to be serious, and may remain so, it was decided that Jules was sufficiently stable to be repatriated to his native France,” the statement added.

“We are relieved, therefore, to confirm that Jules was transferred aeromedically last night from the Mie Prefectural General Medical Centre in Yokkaichi, Japan, to Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice.”

Bianchi was hurt when his Marussia collided with a recovery vehicle that was removing the Sauber of Adrian Sutil, who had spun off the track and into a tyre one lap previously.

The crash occurred under double yellow waved flags, in poor weather and in fading light.

Following an investigation into the cause of the crash, FIA race director Charlie Whiting concluded there was ‘‘a perfect storm’’ of conditions.