Jules Bianchi Health, Condition Latest News: F1 Driver Still in Coma 5 Months After Crash in Japan

French race car driver Jules Bianchi remains in coma in a hospital in Nice, France, five months after he crashed his car in Japan.

At the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, Japan, last Oct. 5, Bianchi lost control of his car, which went to the run-off area and hit the back of tractor.

Bianchi was removed from the car, taken to the circuit medical center and then rushed to the Mie General Hospital.

According to the International Automobile Federation, a CT scan performed on Bianchi showed he suffered severe head injury. He was flown to France in November to continue his treatment.

Although the drugs that kept Bianchi in artificial coma had been discontinued, he remained unconscious.

The news comes as the Formula One season is about to begin with the 2015 Rolex Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 15.

Bianchi's team Marussia will be returning to the Formula One circuit after suffering financial difficulties last year and missing three races.

Marussia said they will begin the season with an interim machine, built to comply with 2015 regulations, before introducing a new car, according to Formula One.

John Booth will remain as team principal while Graeme Lowdon will be president and sporting director. Former Sainsbury's chief Justin King will be serving as the squad's interim chairman. Businessman Stephen Fitzpatrick is the team's new principal investor.

"I want to thank all of the teams, the FIA, Formula One Management, our suppliers and staff and of course all of the fans for the support we've received over the past six months," said Lowden. "It has been a challenging period for all of us but we've come through it and now we just want to go racing again."

He added: "With formidable new business leadership in Stephen Fitzpatrick and the board presence of Justin King, we are now in a great place ahead of the new season. This is a fantastic and very rewarding moment for all those involved with the team."

Marussia's application to compete in the 2015 championship was approved by the FIA last month with the team announcing that Will Stevens will be its first driver.