The entrance of Saint Roch hospital where critically injured French Formula One driver Jules Bianchi has been transferred from Yokkaichi in Nice (Source: Reuters)

Formula One driver Jules Bianchi has been brought out of an artificial coma and arrived back in France on Wednesday nearly seven weeks after his near-fatal crash at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old Frenchman’s family said in a statement that the Marussia driver was still listed as “critical” and that he could remain in a serious way for a long time.

They said they were delighted that he has stabilised enough to be flown to a hospital in Nice, near the family home.

“Jules is no longer in the artificial coma in which he was placed shortly after the accident, however he is still unconscious,” read the statement.

“He is breathing unaided and his vital signs are stable, but his condition is still classified as ‘critical’.” Bianchi, who crashed into a recovery vehicle on the rain-drenched Suzuka track on October 5, was flown back to France on Wednesday.

“Jules’ neurological condition remains stable. Although the situation continues to be serious and may remain so, it was decided that Jules was sufficiently stable to be repatriated to his native France.”

Bianchi, who had been at hospital at Yokkaichi near Suzuka, is now at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire in Nice.

“We are thankful that the next phase of Jules’ treatment can continue close to home, where he can be surrounded and supported by his wider family and friends,” said the statement.