SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Formula One drivers united Sunday to send a message of support to their injured colleague Jules Bianchi, who is fighting for his life following an accident at the Japanese Grand Prix one week ago.
The 21 drivers gathered together shortly before the start of the inaugural Russian Grand Prix on the grid and were joined by Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone and international federation president Jean Todt.
They stood behind the words “Jules, we are all supporting you” inscribed into the grid.
Earlier, the entire Ferrari team sent a message of encouragement to Bianchi.
The two Ferrari drivers, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, flanked team chief Alberto Mattiacci behind a sign reading “Forza Jules” (Go Jules).
Bianchi suffered a severe head injury when his Marussia car skidded off the wet course at Suzuka and ploughed into a tractor recovering another car that crashed out at the same spot one lap earlier. His condition is critical.
Bianchi, a Frenchman, drives for Marussia but is a member of Ferrari’s young drivers academy.
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