The confirmation comes after French sports daily L’Equipe reported that Mr
Schumacher had “reacted positively” to the process begun this week at the
CHU hospital in the south west city of Grenoble, where he’s been since the
December 29 fall.
Sabine Kehm, Mr Schumacher’s manager, did not initially deny the L’Equipe
report, but urged fans to ignore anything other than official comments on
his health.
Surgeons have performed two operations to remove blood clots around Mr
Schumacher’s brain. He has been kept asleep to reduce swelling.
Doctors in Grenoble have ruled out giving a prognosis for his condition in the
coming days and months.
At testing in Jerez, people across their paddock have offered their support to
the stricken Formula One legend. His old team Mercedes carried a message of
support on their car, and Ferrari – whom Schumacher had 72 of his 91 wins in
the sport – said they were “waiting” for his return.
Current world champion Sebastian Vettel, who has previously said he idolised
Schumacher in his youth, since becoming friends, said he was praying for a
“miracle” for his compatriot.
“He’s still in a coma and we still don’t know what shape he will be in when he
wakes up, which is horrible, especially for his family and close friends,
not knowing what is going to happen”, Vettel said.
“I’m still as shocked as everybody else, and I pray and hope the miracle will
happen, he will come back and be the person he was before.”