The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile says “the world of motor sport is in mourning” after Jules Bianchi died overnight, with FIA president Jean Todt expressing “his deepest condolences” to the Frenchman’s family.
The 25-year-old, who had been in a coma for nine months, succumbed to the heavy injuries he had sustained at last year’s Japanese Grand prix when his Marussia hit a recovery tractor crane in wet conditions.
The FIA statement reads:
“The world of motor sport is in mourning today, after the tragic passing of Jules Bianchi overnight.
“The sport has lost one of the most talented drivers of this generation, from a family that has such a strong presence in the history of the sport.
“Jules Bianchi was a popular personality all in F1, possessing the best of both human and sporting qualities.
“The FIA recognises the courage with which he conducted his last fight, in the company of his loving family.
“Jean Todt, FIA President, expressed his deepest condolences to Jules' family and recognised the great pain being felt by the Bianchi family and those close to them.
“The motor sport community offers their most sincere support through this terrible ordeal.”
Bianchi’s death has not only been felt throughout the entire motor racing world – tributes have been pouring in from people involved in all categories – but also at the highest levels of the French government.
C’est avec beaucoup d’émotion que j’ai appris le décès de Jules Bianchi. Le sport français perd avec lui l’un de ses plus grands espoirs.
— François Hollande (@fhollande) 18 Juillet 2015
Indeed, President Hollande said in a statement: “It is with deep emotion that I have received the news of Jules Bianchi's passing. French motorsport has lost one of its greatest talents. My thoughts go out to his parents, family, and friends.”
Réveil triste et brutal avec la nouvelle cruelle du décès @Jules_Bianchi. Jules le talent et le courage à l'état pur. Pensées pour les siens
— François Fillon (@FrancoisFillon) 18 Juillet 2015
Former French Prime Minister François Fillon, the brother of Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) President Pierre Fillon and a true racing enthusiast himself, tweeted about his “sad and brutal waking up to the cruel news of Jules Bianchi’s death. He was a pure talent with genuine courage.”
F1 drivers pay tribute to Bianchi after death at 25
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