Jules Bianchi underwent surgery after suffering a severe head injury during an accident at Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

Bianchi crashed into a recovery vehicle on lap 43 of the race as it was lifting Adrian Sutil's crashed Sauber out of the way. A medical team arrived on the scene soon after and took him to the circuit's medical centre before he was taken by ambulance to Mie General Hospital.

"The CT scan shows that he has suffered a severe head injury and he is currently undergoing surgery," an FIA statement read. "Following this he will be moved to intensive care where he will be monitored. Mie General Hospital will issue an update as soon as further information becomes available."

The FIA statement also described the events surrounding the accident. "On lap 42, Adrian Sutil lost control of his car, spun and hit the tyre barrier on the outside of Turn 7. The marshals displayed double waved yellow flags before the corner to warn drivers of the incident.

"A recovery vehicle was dispatched in order to lift the car and take it to a place of safety behind the guard rail. While this was being done the driver of car 17, Jules Bianchi, lost control of his car, travelled along the run-off area and hit the back of the tractor.

"Once the marshals reported that the driver was injured, medical teams were dispatched and the safety car was deployed. These were followed by an extrication team and an ambulance. The driver was removed from the car, taken to the circuit medical centre and then by ambulance to Mie General Hospital."