Ashley Judd's mother has confirmed reports suggesting the actress' husband Dario Franchitti's recent car crash has brought the estranged couple back together, insisting they are "bonded for life".

The Double Jeopardy star dropped everything when the three-time Indy500 champion sustained a concussion and fractured his spine and right ankle in a horrific crash at the Houston Grand Prix in Texas on 6 October (13).

She raced to his bedside and helped nurse the Scottish race ace back to health, and it appears the near-tragedy has mended the couple's broken marriage.

Judd's mother Naomi tells Closer magazine, "The instant she heard about the wreck, she jumped on a plane and was there with him. They are madly in love. And they are bonded for life.

"Ashley is a magnificent nurse. She has so much compassion."

Judd and Franchitti, who wed in 2001, split at the beginning of the year (13).

The race ace announced his retirement from the sport last month (Nov13) after revealing doctors who helped to save his life after the crash had made it clear "that the risks involved in further racing are too great and could be detrimental to my long term well-being."