Formula One driver Jules Bianchi has been waken up from an artificial coma and sent back to France on Wednesday after a heavy crash at the Japanese Grand Prix almost seven weeks ago, according to a statement from the Frenchman's family.

"Jules is no longer in the artificial coma, in which he was placed shortly after the accident," read the statement.

"However, he is still unconscious," it continued. "He's breathing unaided and his vital signs are stable. But his condition is still classified as critical."

The 25-year-old Marussia driver crashed into a recovery vehicle on the rain-drenched Suzuka track on Oct. 5, which almost cost his life.

"Although the situation continues to be serious and may remain so, it was decided that Jules was sufficiently stable to be repatriated to his native France," said the statement.

Bianchi had been sustained at a Japanese hospital at Yokkaichi near Suzuka before being flown Wednesday to the Center Hospitalier Universitaire's intensive care unit in Nice, to be near his family.

"We are thankful that the next phase of Jules' treatment can continue close to home, where he can be surrounded and supported by his wider family and friends," read the statement.

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