Paris, Dec 31 (IANS): Severely-injured Formula One driver Jules Bianchi remains to be unconscious but has started planned rehabilitation therapy, according to a statement from the Frenchman's family.

"Jules' neurological status remains unchanged," his parents explained the driver's situation one and a half months after his return from Japan, reports Xinhua.

"He is still unconscious though he's able to breathe without aid."

"We find much comfort in the fact that Jules continues to fight, as we knew he would, which allows the medical professionals caring for him to commence the planned rehabilitation programme, gradually."

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

Bianchi had been at a Japanese hospital at Yokkaichi near Suzuka for nearly a month, before being flown to the Nice University Hospital Center's intensive care unit Nov 19.

"It was important and very comforting for us to bring Jules home last month to continue his rehabilitation surrounded by family and friends," said his family.

"Since then, Jules has received the best care, and now in rehabilitation centre specialised for this kind of trauma," they added.