JULY 18, 2015

Jules Bianchi dies aged 25

It is with great sadness that we must report that F1 driver Jules Bianchi has died.

It is with great sadness that we must report that F1 driver Jules Bianchi has died.

Aged 25, the talented Frenchman has been unconscious since striking a recovery vehicle in fading light and wet conditions during last October's Japanese grand prix.

The former Marussia driver's family confirmed his death in a statement, saying Bianchi "passed away last night" in hospital in his native Nice.

"Jules fought right to the very end, as he always did, but today his battle came to an end," the family announced.

"The pain we feel is immense and indescribable."

Bianchi's family, including his parents and two siblings, thanked medical staff in Japan and France, his fans and colleagues, and added: "We would like to ask that our privacy is respected during this difficult time, while we try to come to terms with the loss of Jules."

(GMM)