F1 drivers thinking of Bianchi while racing in Russia

Sochi, Russia (SportsNetwork.com) - While Formula One is set to compete in Russia for the first time, it will be a somber mood in the paddock this weekend, following Jules Bianchi's horrifying accident in last Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

Marussia driver Bianchi remains in critical but stable condition in an intensive care unit at Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi, Japan after suffering a severe head injury from the accident, which occurred in the closing laps of the rain-soaked race. The 25-year-old Frenchman slid off course and collided with a recovery vehicle that was removing Adrian Sutil's Sauber car after Sutil went off course and crashed into the barrier.

F1 has arrived at the brand-new Sochi Autodrom -- a 3.637-mile (5.853- kilometer), 18-turn street circuit located in an Olympic venue. Sochi hosted the XXII Olympic Winter Games in February. F1 drivers are eager to get on track and become familiar with this circuit, but right now, they all have Bianchi in their thoughts.

"All of our thoughts are with Jules," said Ferrari driver and two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso. "All of our minds are there because we have huge respect for our work, but when there are big accidents, there are no words to describe how you feel. It was a tough weekend (in Japan), and right now we are here, a difficult weekend again. Emotionally, it's very difficult. We're ready to race, to race for him, being as professional as we can but definitely our minds are with him in this moment, praying for him."

Heavy rain associated from Typhoon Phanfone had an effect on the Japanese GP. The start of the race was delayed due to poor weather conditions, and the first nine laps were run under the safety car.

Following Bianchi's crash, the safety car was deployed again, as it began to rain heavily. The race was suspended nine laps short of its scheduled 53-lap distance.

"I think first of all you need to see that it was an extremely difficult race for all of us," Red Bull driver and four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel said. "I think I join on what the other drivers said, in terms of how difficult, it is probably the most difficult race to digest so far.

"But I think difficult conditions, leaving a very, very small margin for error. Obviously for Jules at that time it was too small. On top of that, very unlucky circumstances led to a catastrophe really. I think at this stage all of our thoughts are with Jules and his family, and we wish him all the strength that we can send."

Williams driver Felipe Massa considers Bianchi's wreck as one of the worst things he has ever experienced in his racing career. In 2009, while driving for Ferrari, Massa was involved in a near-fatal crash during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix. He suffered a fractured skull as well as a concussion and an injury to his left eye when he was struck by a spring that came off of Ruben Barrichello's Brawn GP car. His injuries sidelined him for the remainder of the '09 season.

"For me, I think it was the worst race of my life," Massa said of the Japanese GP. "It's a really bad race, worse than the race of my accident, because I didn't remember. It was the worst race of my life. It's been so difficult everyday because I'm just thinking about Jules.

"It's a very difficult weekend for all of us. Maybe (Friday in practice) it will get a little bit better because at least you are working and at least you have something to think about."

Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes won the Japanese GP and increased his lead in the F1 world championship point standings. It was first time Hamilton had scored a victory at Suzuka Circuit. He now holds a 10-point advantage over his teammate and championship rival Nico Rosberg.

"As I crossed the line, obviously I was pleased to have finally won at Suzuka, but as soon as we got back to the pits and heard what happened to Jules, it suddenly didn't seem relevant anymore," Hamilton said. "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."

Series: Formula One. Date: Sunday, Oct. 12. Race: Russian Grand Prix. Site: Sochi Autodrom. Track: 3.637-mile (5.853-kilometer), 18-turn street circuit. Start Time: 7 a.m. ET. Laps: 53. Miles: 192.750 (310.209 km). Television: NBC Sports Network.