Jules Bianchi: ten years’ absence, an intact memory
10 years ago, Jules Bianchi died in Nice hospital after 9 months in a coma following a terrible accident on Japan’s Suzuka Formula 1 circuit.
At just 25, he had conquered the world of motorsport with his raw talent, humility and exceptional maturity behind the wheel. Jules Bianchi was born on August 3, 1989 in Nice, where he was immersed in the sound of engines. Son of a karting manager and grand-nephew of Lucien Bianchi, former F1 driver and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Jules first climbed into a kart at the age of 4 on his father’s circuit in Brignoles, Var.
His talent was obvious from the outset. At the age of 15, he came second in the French karting championship. Two years later, in 2006, he finished third in the World Championship in Marienbourg, Belgium. The young Frenchman was then spotted by Nicolas Todt, son of Jean Todt, then head of Scuderia Ferrari. It was from this point on that his sporting career began to accelerate. In 2007, Jules made his single-seater debut in Formula Renault, winning his first race. He followed this up with two seasons in Formula 3 at the wheel of an ART. He finished third in 2008 and took the title in 2009.
The night everything changed
But then tragedy struck, turning his entire career upside down. On October 5, 2014, during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, he was struck by a tragic accident. In the pouring rain, and despite the approach of a typhoon, the organizers refused to postpone the start of the race. On lap 42 of the Grand Prix, Adrian Sutil went off the track. A crane was deployed to free his car. However, no safety car was sent out to slow down the single-seaters and bring everyone to safety. One lap later, at the point where Sutil went off the track, Jules lost control of his single-seater due to aquaplaning. He hit the crane at exactly 126 km/h. The impact was fatal. He suffered severe head trauma and went straight into a coma.
He fought for nine months to try to wake up, but sadly died of his injuries on July 17, 2015, at Nice University Hospital.
Jules Bianchi’s death shocked the motor racing world. His accident sparked a debate on single-seater safety. This led to the installation of the “Halo” protection system, mandatory on all single-seaters since 2018. A device which, according to many experts, probably saved his life that day.
A continuing commitment: the Jules Bianchi Association
To keep their son’s memory alive and continue his commitment, his parents founded the Jules Bianchi Association in 2015. Its aim: to support medical research into traumatic brain injury, help the families of victims of similar traumas and promote safety in motor sport. Based in Nice, the association regularly organizes charity events, commemorative races, fund-raising events and auctions of drivers’ memorabilia.
Ten years after his death, Jules Bianchi remains a shooting star in Formula 1 history. His legacy lives on through those he inspired, such as Charles Leclerc, his godson and friend, now a Ferrari driver.
Source Article : https://www.nicepremium.fr/sports/jules-bianchi-dix-ans-dabsence-une-memoire-intacte/
