“As assured from the beginning we will continue to communicate any decisive
new information on Michael’s health state. We are aware that the wake up
phase can take a long time.
“The family continues to strongly believe in Michael’s recovery and place all
their trust in the doctors, nurses and nursing auxiliaries team. The
important thing is not the speed of the recovery but that Michael’s healing
process progresses in a continuous and controlled way.”
The lack of official announcements regarding Schumacher’s condition has led to
feverish speculation, with doctors in Grenoble where he is being treated
forced to deny rumours earlier this week that the former Ferrari and
Mercedes driver had died.
It was announced two weeks ago that Schumacher’s sedation was being eased as
doctors tried to wake him up from his coma.
Schumacher has been in intensive care in Grenoble University Hospital since
being flown there by helicopter following his December 29 accident in the
Alpine resort of Meribel.
The German fell and hit his head against a rock after venturing on to a small
off-piste section while skiing with his son and a group of friends.
The impact of the collision was sufficiently powerful to split the helmet he
was wearing.
Schumacher won seven drivers’ titles in Formula One, two with Benetton in 1994
and 1995, and five consecutively with Ferrari from 2000 to 2004. He enjoyed
a relatively unsuccessful return to the sport with Mercedes for three
seasons, and retired for a second time at the end of 2012.