Despite initial concerns poor weather due to typhoon Phanfone would ruin the Japanese Grand Prix, the race went ahead.
But towards the end of the race came the shock of Jules Bianchi’s crash. It was initially unclear what had happened, but the details of his injuries were later confirmed by the FIA.
The account below of how a dark day for motor racing unfolded on social media does not include any of the pictures that were circulated claiming to show different aspects of the crash, for reasons of taste and the difficulty of verifying details of the images.
The entire Formula One community is anxiously awaiting further news about Bianchi’s condition. It is only possible to include a tiny number of the many tributes which were posted.
Can confirm that yesterday the FIA offered the organsers the opportunity to start the race as early as 11am
— Adam Cooper (@adamcooperF1) October 5, 2014
Bottom line is if it all goes wrong this PM, blame Honda/Suzuka, not the FIA. One might guess that Bernie had a word with them too…
— Adam Cooper (@adamcooperF1) October 5, 2014
#F1 Charlie Whiting just told us: If weather reports are correct, there will be no race today. More and more rain expected. Too dangerous.
— Tobias Grüner F1 (@tgruener) October 5, 2014
FIA have just distributed how points will be awarded if the race does not go the full distance #nuffsaid
— Byron Young (@byronf1) October 5, 2014
Surely there is a clause in the Promoter's Agreement that allows race time to be moved by governing body if genuine safety reasons/concerns?
— Oliver Weingarten (@OWeingarten) October 5, 2014
#F1 Drivers Parade coming up – in open topped cars. I know 22 young men who are going to be chuffed with this idea. Not. #F1
— F1 Paddock Pass (@F1PaddockPass) October 5, 2014
Kevin Magnussen of @McLarenF1 – 22 today – completes the #JapaneseGP drivers’ parade without an umbrella #F1 pic.twitter.com/rzbDnVU3gk
— Formula1.com (@F1) October 5, 2014
Perez: "I aquaplane but OK." #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/dnSw6wmZM3
— F1 Fanatic Live (@f1fanaticlive) October 5, 2014
Race
The race briefly started behind the Safety Car before being red-flagged. After a short delay the cars returned to the track still behind the Safety Car – and then came a surprise first retirement of the day.
L1 Ericsson spins off behind the Safety Car. #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/sx4VwXFJbm
— F1 Fanatic Live (@f1fanaticlive) October 5, 2014
Lap 3/53 – the #JapaneseGP has been suspended, with all cars now lined up in the pit lane behind the #SafetyCar #F1 pic.twitter.com/jozmq9pFwo
— Formula1.com (@F1) October 5, 2014
As the red flag appeared on lap two, no points stand to be awarded at the moment unless more laps are completed. #F1 pic.twitter.com/uk8h3Az8Zk
— F1 Fanatic (@f1fanatic_co_uk) October 5, 2014
#Alonso stopped on track #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/iSFbtwW6RO
— Mattzel89 (@Mattzel89) October 5, 2014
Some drivers lobbied race director Charlie Whiting to bring the Safety Car in. Once he did, Button headed for the pits as well for a characteristic gamble on intermediate tyres.
Everyone loves an early Jenson Button tyre change in wet conditions #F1 #JapaneseGP
— Glenn Freeman (@glenn_autosport) October 5, 2014
Marussia scaled new heights thanks to Jules Bianchi’s late pit stop:
Jules Bianchi up to 3rd in the Marussia. Things I never thought i’d say in an F1 race
— Sean Kelly (@virtualstatman) October 5, 2014
Nice pass by Vettel on Massa, came from a way back. #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/0swe9kcLdF
— F1 Fanatic (@f1fanatic_co_uk) October 5, 2014
And an even more impressive pass by Ricciardo, set up on the outside part of the Esses. #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/Ah9gt4SvIv
— F1 Fanatic (@f1fanatic_co_uk) October 5, 2014
Lap 16: @KevinMagnussen needs to box for a steering wheel change. Takes new Inters too. #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/tReWSprDkP
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) October 5, 2014
Vergne: "I cannot drive this car like this. I'm so slow." Pujolar: "Understood. There is more rain expected." #F1 #JapaneseGP
— F1 Fanatic Live (@f1fanaticlive) October 5, 2014
Just as in the Italian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton took the lead from his team mate on lap 29.
MEGA pass @LewisHamilton !!! Pure brilliance.
— Marco Andretti (@MarcoAndretti) October 5, 2014
The move of the race? Lewis Hamilton snatches the lead from @MercedesAMGF1 team mate Nico Rosberg #JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/3LosaF9Z4B
— Formula1.com (@F1) October 5, 2014
Bianchi crashes
We have reports of rain…..
— WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) October 5, 2014
That’s got to be the best unlapping move ever by @KevinMagnussen. Hopefully no Senna/Irvine-style recriminations #F1 pic.twitter.com/N3PeorPLcE
— F1 Fanatic (@f1fanatic_co_uk) October 5, 2014
L41 The rain clearly worsening at the moment. Magnussen pits for full wets. #F1 #JapaneseGP
— F1 Fanatic Live (@f1fanaticlive) October 5, 2014
Sutril only the second retirement at the day as the Sauber runs out of grip at Dunlop. #F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/xVjJuDTg8h
— F1 Fanatic Live (@f1fanaticlive) October 5, 2014
I am bracing myself here after the Sutil incident. We all remember the Morbidelli/Brundle incident in identical circumstances in 1994….
— Sean Kelly (@virtualstatman) October 5, 2014
A recovery vehicle was parked in the run-off area next to Sutil’s car while it was recovered under yellow flags. This was what Bianchi hit when he went off, though it was not immediately clear at the time.
The Medical Car is also on the track. #F1 #JapaneseGP
— F1 Fanatic Live (@f1fanaticlive) October 5, 2014
Bianchi appears to be involved in the incident with Sutil. Not clear what happened. #F1 #JapaneseGP
— F1 Fanatic (@f1fanatic_co_uk) October 5, 2014
This looks serious. There is another car… pic.twitter.com/bQiFX0Qpty
— Mattzel89 (@Mattzel89) October 5, 2014
Fingers crossed for @Jules_Bianchi and Marussia.Concerns because team got no reply on the radio from Bianchi.Could mean something or nothing
— Byron Young (@byronf1) October 5, 2014
Lewis Hamilton wins the Japanese GP but there is no celebration as emergency services attend to the Sutil/Bianchi crash
— Ben Hunt (@benjhunt) October 5, 2014
Sutil just told us bianchi hit the truck sideways. Didn’t look good. Adrian was shocked.
— Bianca Garloff (@bgarloff) October 5, 2014
Medical helicopter is being prepared for Bianchi we believe. Whole Paddock concerned for Jules. Thoughts and prayers for his wellbeing. #F1
— F1 Paddock Pass (@F1PaddockPass) October 5, 2014
Herbie Blash has updated Rosberg on Bianchi incident and Nico immediately updates Lewis. Indications point to a very serious incident #F1
— Mark Gallagher (@_markgallagher) October 5, 2014
Come on Jules! Forza Jules!
— FerrariDriverAcademy (@insideFDA) October 5, 2014
Really not sure that accredited press should be tweeting 'wild' rumours front the paddock right now? Stick to the facts.
— Marc Priestley (@f1elvis) October 5, 2014
Thoughts only with Jules Bianchi … the debate can wait.
— Tiff Needell (@tiff_tv) October 5, 2014
Update from @tedkravitz : air ambulance could fly but decision made to transfer Bianchi by road; landing conditions or medical decision #F1
— Mark Gallagher (@_markgallagher) October 5, 2014
Tough race today in rainy Suzuka. 6th was maximum with the speed we had today. I hope that @Jules_Bianchi is ok and its nothing serious. #77
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) October 5, 2014
He’s been taken to Mie university hospital, less than 10 miles away. Ferrari boss Mattiacci and Felipe Massa have gone to be with Bianchi
— Daniel Johnson (@danielt_johnson) October 5, 2014
Toutes mes pensées sont avec Jules Bianchi et sa famille. Bats toi ! All my thoughts are with Jules and his family. Keep fighting my friend!
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) October 5, 2014
Jules Bianchi’s injury is a sad reminder that this can still be The Cruel Sport. The F1 community’s expressions of support for him heartfelt
— Gerald Donaldson (@f1speedreader) October 5, 2014
Impressed by the maturity of all the #F1 drivers in their post-race media interviews today. Their concern for Jules Bianchi very evident.
— Richard Williams (@rwilliams1947) October 5, 2014
Travelling back to Tokyo on bullet train with GUT and SUT, and RIC and VET are in same carriage. Keeping them updated as best I can
— Adam Cooper (@adamcooperF1) October 5, 2014
Thoughts with Nicolas Todt tonight as he no doubt relives Felipe’s 2009 accident. Jules is his protege. His shining light.
— The Buxton Blog (@thebuxtonblog) October 5, 2014
My thoughts are with fellow driver Jules Bianchi. The whole of the Motorsport world is pulling for you. #F1family ForzaJules
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) October 5, 2014
Difficult to sleep… #ForzaJules
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) October 5, 2014
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2014 Japanese Grand Prix
- Streiff’s comments on Bianchi crash investigation prompts legal action from FIA
- No improvement in Bianchi’s condition
- FIA plans changes after Bianchi crash but report says his speed was to blame
- Bianchi returns to France but condition still “critical”
- Bianchi’s family denies reports of return to Europe
Image © Marussia
Mackeine Loveine (@cocaine-mackeine)
5th October 2014, 21:04
Wow. What a tough response from the F1 people.
I actually missed the race, and woke up with the bad news.
The last time the F1 world was so tense was probably since Massa nearly died in Hungary 2009.
I hope Chilton is OK, I dont know if it was his fault or the organizers fault. From what everyone says, the race was rubbish and with this was even worse. Need to watch it later.
On another note, @keithcollantine Did the rate the race and DOTW polls are omited due to the incident?
Mackeine Loveine (@cocaine-mackeine)
5th October 2014, 21:05
My god, I hope BIANCHI is OK, what a terrible mistake D:
hunocsi (@hunocsi)
5th October 2014, 21:31
The race wasn’t bad at all until that point… (only the late start was annoying)
@HoHum (@hohum)
5th October 2014, 21:46
+1
jsw11984 (@jarred-walmsley)
6th October 2014, 1:22
Certainly I think the RtR should be omitted, whether consciously or not people will be affected by the Bianchi crash in their rating and it would not be a true reflection of the race.
f1freek (@f1freek)
5th October 2014, 21:20
Sometimes we give a lot of crap to the guys in the back of the field and we forget about hard they are fighting during a race no matter their position. I can only wish the best of Jules and his family right now during this difficult time
Jack (@jmc200)
5th October 2014, 21:23
I didn’t follow F1 the last time we had an accident like this. At 18 I’ve never had to go through “the wait” before. I was crying; it was appalling. I sleep tonight with an even greater respect for drivers whom this was a regular occurrence, and hoping beyond hope that Jules will pull through. Equally, the genuine care shown by all the drivers, particularly Sutil, was fantastic to see.
William Stuart (@williamstuart)
5th October 2014, 21:55
Same here, being 16, never experienced the Massa incident which is the most similar thing I can imagine right now. Potentially an incredible driver considering Monaco, hopefully he’ll still be partnering Vettel in 2016, #ForzaJules.
Formula-I (@)
6th October 2014, 8:25
I am only 13 and I’m heavily shocked after Jules incident, which I though F1 was save
Rozi2002 (@rozi2002)
6th October 2014, 9:08
im 12and I’m a bit traumatised from the incident
The Abbinator (@abbinator)
5th October 2014, 22:29
He was reportedly breathing on his own but unconscious when he left the compound, which is certainly encouraging if you have seen the photos of the car and read the details of the crash. Most likely he will have had the operation to relieve pressure on his cranium. The prognosis is still wide open, but these kinds of injuries are rarely without some long term consequence (Massa was exceedingly lucky, just look at Schumacher’s or Maria DeVilotta’s accident). All we can do is wait for more news and hope it starts to be the good kind. At least he is young and fit, which should count for something. My utmost hopes are for a complete recovery and perhaps we will be lucky enough to see him back as soon as next season. #forzaJules
Nick (@npf1)
5th October 2014, 22:40
To be honest I haven’t felt this way about a race since last year’s Le Mans. When the news hit Allan Simonsen was in critical condition, I got worried and the news that he died just struck me; it was the first time a fatality happened during a race I was watching. I had a hard time maintaining focus for at least 4 hours after the news and couldn’t tell you what happened during those hours.
Massa’s accident and the deaths of Surtees and Wheldon saddened me greatly, as did the deaths of the marshals during the 2000 Italian GP, 2001 Australian GP and the 2013 Canadian GP. I felt really nervous about Dario Franchitti’s accident last year too, but still feel uneasy watching the crash.
As soon as the camera was fixed on the recovery vehicle that was no longer moving, I feared it had hit a Marshal. It was Jules.. I just hope I can put this accident in a place in my mind with Massa’s accident or even Franchitti’s, not the ones of Simonsen, Surtees and Wheldon..
d
6th October 2014, 13:16
The worst I’ve seen is poor Marco Melandri of MotoGP fame, who a couple of years ago was thrown from his motorcycle & hit by two riders on Live TV @ the Sepand circuit. My eyes well up even now thinking back to that. Such an awful thing to happen and terrible to see happening with your own eyes.
Rozi2002 (@rozi2002)
5th October 2014, 23:28
this is the first time ever that I’ve witnessed a very scary accident and I felt very worried for Jules ;(
#getwellsoonJules
Scottie (@scottie)
5th October 2014, 23:38
I’ve seen so many posts from people trying to place blame on someone… Nobody could have predicted these events in these conditions at this time. Sure, a similar incident happened in the past with Martin Brundle in ’94, but given the conditions were so different to them, I don’t think it warrants any blame on anyone.
Everyone just take a step back, learn wheat we can and hope Jules can pull through this. Blaming someone will achieve nothing.
Tony (@ootony)
6th October 2014, 7:27
I hope there will be no more booing at the podium. This really makes you realise the risks these guys are taking.
Chris (@cgturbo)
6th October 2014, 11:35
@ootony
Well said.
I’ve read many people here say “the audience have the right to express their opinion”.
Booing isn’t an opinion. It’s a sign of utter disrespect for people who put their lives on the line for “our entertainment”.
Neil Bellers
6th October 2014, 12:45
Very best wishes to Jules for a full recovery. I have been watching Formula 1 since 1976. This latest race is not about blame, it should be common sense that such a lot of surface water can affect more than one car in the space of a few laps. The recovery truck being there meant that the barrier ‘gap’ was now a dangerous obstacle for anyone sliding off the track, at any speed, and not safe for the marshals. There should be extra temporary tyre or inflatable barriers available to put there as protection around the first crash site. The race should have been behind the safety car immediately, or suspended since the heavy rain had returned. In fact, the lack of proper daylight meant that the race should have started earlier in the first place. Yes…1976, heavy rain in Japan and a race without terrible casualties more by luck than the organisers would care to admit.
olly
7th October 2014, 10:57
did you see in the video that after yellow flags, green flags are waved whilst the tractor is still on the circuit and before jules’s crash, and then yellow flags again…. seems like a horrible mix up.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
7th October 2014, 21:45
It wasn’t – see the explanation here:
https://www.racefans.net/2014/10/06/marussia-ask-patience-wait-continues-details-bianchis-condition/comment-page-1/#comment-2587699