(CNN) -- Lewis Hamilton extended his lead in the Formula One title race by winning the Japanese Grand Prix Sunday but the victory was overshadowed by a serious accident involving Jules Bianchi of France.
The race, which had been
run off in treacherous wet conditions, was under a late red flag after
Adrian Sutil of Sauber crashed at turn eight of the Suzuka circuit.
Soon afterwards,
Bianchi's Marussia careered off at the same place, reportedly crashing
into the digger being used to remove Sutil's car.
The second red flag
brought the race to a premature finish after 44 of 53 laps with Hamilton
declared the winner ahead of Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg.
His third straight victory stretched his advantage over Rosberg in the championship to 10 points with four rounds remaining.
Departing Sebastian
Vettel got the better of Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo in their own
private battle for the final place on the podium.
But at the presentations
all the drivers' thoughts were with Bianchi and the traditional
champagne-spraying celebration did not take place.
FIA media delegate Matteo Bonciani gave an update on his condition to gathered reporters.
"The driver is
unconscious," Bonciani said. "He has been sent to hospital by ambulance
because the helicopter cannot go in conditions. Further updates will
follow. For the moment, we cannot say anything," the UK's Press
Association reported.
Typhoon Phanfone, which
is sweeping across Japan, had led to fears the race might have to be
abandoned and it started in heavy rain and behind the safety car.
After just two laps it was suspended after drivers complained of the severely restricted visibility.
When it restarted, it developed into a duel between pole sitter Rosberg and Hamilton.
On lap 29, a bold overtaking move by Hamilton saw him take a lead he never relinquished.
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