Intro:

Parents of Formula One driver Jules Bianchi say he has been taken out of an artificial coma and repatriated from Japan to a French hospital. The French driver was injured during last month's Japanese Grand Prix.

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It's been more than a month since the horrific crash of Jules Bianchi's at the Japanese Grand Prix, yet there were signs of improvement on Wednesday.

According to the driver's family, the 25-year-old has made an important step on the road to recovery.

The French Formula One driver was deemed well enough to fly from Japan back to his native France, with his parents adding that Bianchi is no longer in an artificial coma.

Although Bianchi remains unconscious "he is breathing unaided and his vital signs are stable," the statement said, adding that he was transferred overnight from Yokkaichi to a hospital in his home city of Nice, in southern France.

Bianchi’s improvement comes as his Marussia team appear set to make a remarkable comeback at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

Despite being in administration, with all 200 staff made redundant, they are on the verge of a stunning recovery.

The Banbury-based team currently lie ninth in the constructors’ championship thanks to the two points Bianchi won at the Monaco Grand Prix in May.