YOKKAICHI (AFP) - Jules Bianchi is suffering from a serious brain injury suffered in his sickening crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, his family says, as specialists warn the chances of recovery from this kind of condition are slim.

The Formula One driver was on Wednesday starting his third day in intensive care after the weekend smash, with his worried parents regularly by his bedside.

"Jules remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the Mie General Medical Centre in Yokkaichi. He has suffered a diffuse axonal injury and is in a critical but stable condition," said a statement issued by the family and the hospital.

"The medical professionals at the hospital are providing the very best treatment and care and we are grateful for everything they have done for Jules since his accident."

The 25-year-old was knocked unconscious in a horrific high-speed crash into a recovery vehicle during Sunday's rain-sodden Japanese Grand Prix.