Suzuka (Japan), Oct 6 (IANS): Formula 1 team Marussia Monday acknowledged the huge outpouring of support and affection for their injured driver Jules Bianchi but requested fans to have "patience and understanding" regarding further updates over the 25-year-old's condition.

The French driver, who suffered a severe head injury in a crash in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix, underwent surgery following the accident. He remains in critical condition and is being monitored in an intensive care unit at the Mie General Hospital in Yokkaichi.

"With regard to the communication of information concerning Bianchi's medical condition, we will respect, and be guided by, the wishes of the family," the team said in a statement.

"Together with Bianchi's care, they will remain our highest priority. Therefore, we would ask for patience and understanding with regard to further medical updates, which will be communicated in conjunction with the Mie General Medical Center where he is being treated, when they feel it is appropriate."

Bianchi went off the track Sunday in soaking conditions and hit a tractor which was initially lifting Adrian Sutil's Sauber after an earlier accident. Bianchi lost control of his vehicle and travelled across the run-off area and hit the back of the tractor.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton won the race that was run in inclement weather conditions.