A BANBURY-based Formula One (F1) team’s driver is undergoing surgery after being involved in a crash at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Jules Bianchi, who joined Marussia F1 Team last year, suffered severe head injuries after his car came off the race circuit and collided with a recovery vehicle that was clearing the damaged car of another driver.

The French 25-year-old is being treated in Mie General Hospital and staff have said he will be transferred to intensive care once his surgery is complete.

A statement from motorracing body Federation Internationale de l'Automobile said: "On lap 42 Adrian Sutil lost control of his car, spun and hit the tyre barrier outside of turn seven.

"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 guardrail.

"While this was being done, the driver of car 17, Jules Bianchi, lost control of car, travelled across 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 from the circuit medical centre and taken by ambulance to Mie General Hospital."

The driver of the first car which crashed, Sauber's Adrian Sutil, was reported to have shown no signs of physical injuries, it was reported.