THE family of late Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi have announced they are taking legal action over his death.

The Frenchman, 25, died in July from fatal head injuries after his car crashed into a recovery vehicle at the Japanese Grand Prix in October 2014.

Yesterday law firm Stewarts Law, who represent the family, said they had sent a letter to Bianchi's former team, Banbury-based Marussia team - now known as Manor F1- about the accident.

It said the letter invited the team to accept errors were made in the planning, timing, organisation and conduct of the race.

Stewarts Law partner Julian Chamberlayne said the driver's death was "avoidable".

He added: "The Bianchi family are determined that this legal process should require those involved to provide answers and to take responsibility for any failings.

"This is important if current drivers are to have confidence that safety in the sport will be put first."

Bianchi's father Phillippe said: "As a family, we have so many unanswered questions and feel that Jules' accident and death could have been avoided if a series of mistakes had not been made."

Similar letters have also been sent to the FIA, the world governing body of Formula One and the Formula One Group which controls the TV and media rights for the sport.