Niki Lauda has described the crash which has left Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi in a critical condition as "very unfortunate".
The Marussia driver is undergoing surgery after a collision with a recovery vehicle at the side of the track left him with a severe head injury.
The three-time world champion, who was seriously injured during the 1976 German Grand Prix, told reporters: "The Sutil accident was way off the line and under normal circumstances we would not discuss it. The car was picked up right away and the corner where you parked the car was very close.
"Motor racing is dangerous. We get used to nothing happening and then suddenly we all get surprised. We always have to be aware that motor racing is very dangerous, and this accident of today is a coming together of various difficult things. If one car goes off, the truck comes out and then the next car goes off. This was very unfortunate."
The FIA has said that Bianchi will be transferred to intensive care once he has undergone surgery at Mie University Hospital near the Suzuka track.
