( CNN ) Jules Bianchi remains unconscious in a French hospital following his horrific crash at October 's Japanese Grand Prix , but the Formula One driver has begun a program of rehabilitation therapy , according to a statement released by his family on Tuesday . Bianchi , who suffered a head injury while driving for the now defunct Marussia team , skidded off the track in wet conditions and collided with a recovery vehicle . The Frenchman sustained a `` diffuse axonal injury '' which causes widespread tearing of nerve fibers across the whole of the brain , according to UK brain charity , Headway . He returned to France last month and was treated at the intensive care unit of Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice ( CHU ) before moving on to the rehabilitation center . `` As we reach the conclusion of a difficult year for our family , we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a further update regarding Jules ' medical situation , per our pledge to communicate continued information , when appropriate , to his many fans , '' said the driver 's parents , Philippe and Christine in a statement . `` It was a significant and very comforting step for us to be able to bring Jules home to France last month , to continue his rehabilitation surrounded by his family and friends . This is very important for Jules and also for us . `` Jules ' neurological status remains unchanged ; he is unconscious but able to breathe unaided . Whilst there is no significant information to report , we take a great deal of comfort from the fact that Jules continues to fight , as we knew he would , and this has enabled the medical professionals caring for him to commence the planned , but very painstaking , program of rehabilitation therapy . '' Bianchi 's parents say they will continue to provide updates of their son 's progress and thanked the public for their ongoing support . The statement added : `` As we reflect on the events of the past few months , we would like to acknowledge once again the overwhelming warmth and affection shown towards our son . These continue to be challenging times for our family , but the knowledge that he has touched the lives of so many people all around the world has helped us through . '' Earlier this month , the FIA published a report which stated that Bianchi `` did not slow sufficiently to avoid losing control '' during his crash at the Suzuka circuit . Bianchi 's Marussia team folded in November after administrators failed to find fresh investment . In the days after the crash , Marussia moved to address accusations that Bianchi had not reduced his speed and that the team had actively encouraged him not to do so . `` The Marussia F1 Team is shocked and angered by these allegations , '' said the statement issued in October . `` At a time when its driver is critically ill in hospital , and the team has made clear that its highest priority is consideration for Jules and his family , it is distressed to have to respond to deeply upsetting rumors and inaccuracies in respect of the circumstances of Jules ' accident . `` Regarding point 1 , Jules did slow down under the double waved yellow flags . That is an irrefutable fact , as proven by the telemetry data , which the team has provided to the FIA . `` Regarding point 2 , an audio copy of the full radio transmission between Jules and the team , and a written transcript , were provided to the FIA . `` It is quite clear from the transmission and the transcript that at no point during the period leading up to Jules ' accident did the team urge Jules to drive faster or make any comments suggesting that he should do so . '' The update on the French driver 's condition comes a day after the first anniversary of Michael Schumacher 's skiing accident . The seven-time world champion is continuing his recovery from the severe head injuries sustained in a crash at the French ski resort of Meribel on 29th December last year . Schumacher spent nine months in hospital in France following emergency brain surgery but was moved to the family home near Lake Geneva in Switzerland in September to continue his rehabilitation . While the German 's family declined to give an update on his condition , Formula One drivers and fans expressed their continuing support for the stricken driver on social media .
Jules Bianchi remains unconscious in French hospital . Family says Formula One driver has started rehab . The crash happened at the high-speed Le Mans circuit on Sunday when a Ferrari hit Bianchi, who was running second behind teammate Felipe Massa.