Jules Bianchi unconscious after accident at Japanese GP

Suzuka, Japan: Marussia Formula One driver Jules Bianchi has been taken to hospital and is unconscious following an accident during the Japanese Grand Prix.

The race was red-flagged with nine laps to go after Bianchi went off at Turn 7, where Sauber's Adrian Sutil had crashed earlier.

The Sauber was being recovered by a crane when Bianchi went off. Sutil said Bianchi's car had hit the crane.

Sunday's race took place in heavy rain. The first nine laps were run behind a safety car and it started to rain heavily again near the end of the race.

FIA Press officer Matteo Bonciani said: "The driver is not conscious, he has been sent to the hospital by ambulance because the helicopter cannot go in these conditions.”