Jules Bianchi taken to hospital after Japanese Grand Prix F1 crash

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

The Sauber was being recovered by a crane when Bianchi went off. It is understood that the Marussia made contact with the recovery vehicle.

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

"Further updates will follow - for the moment we cannot say anything. We will keep you updated as fast as we can."

Sutil said Bianchi had gone off in a similar manner to his own incident.

"I had aquaplaning at this corner and the rain got more and more, the visibility got less and less," Sutil told television crews.

"One lap later with waved yellow flags Jules came around and had the same spin there, and that was it.

"It was more or less the same crash, but the outcome was a bit different.

"[The tractor] came out to rescue my car, and then it all happened.

"It hit him hard. That is all I can say. I have no information about how he is but I really hope for him that it is all OK and my thoughts are with him.

"I was just standing there. We know that it is serious at the moment."

Jenson Button, who finished fifth, said it was clear as drivers passed the scene that the incident was serious.

"The most important thing to say is that we hope Jules is alright. Our thoughts are with Jules," he said.

"A horrible incident. It is an incident you hope it never happens in Formula 1.

"I saw the Marussia behind the crane, and it was very damaged, which was surprising. But that was it.

"I just heard he hit the crane. It's pretty horrible and our thoughts are with him and his family right now."