Schumacher showing ‘small, encouraging signs’ in condition

The former F1 world champion, 45, who was badly injured in a French Alps skiing accident, has been in an induced coma for 11 weeks, despite most experts agreeing that artificial comas generally last two or three weeks.

Since December 29 Schumacher has been in the medically-induced coma after two operations to remove blood clots from his brain following the accident in the Meribel resort.

Schumacher, who is at the University Hospital of Grenoble, is in a ‘waking-up’ process.  

The new information follows a series of reports claiming that his condition was worsening. Just a few days ago there were reports that ‘only a miracle’ can save him.

In a statement issued on behalf of the 45-year-old’s family, the F1 star’s agent said: “We are, and remain confident, Michael will pull through and will wake up.

“There sometimes are small, encouraging signs, but we also know this is the time to be very patient.

“Michael has suffered severe injuries. It is very hard to comprehend for all of us that Michael, who had overcome a lot of precarious situations in the past, has been hurt so terribly in such a banal situation.

“It was clear from the start this will be a long and hard fight for Michael, and we are taking this fight on together with the team of doctors, whom we fully trust.

“The length of the process is not the important part for us.

“It is heart-warming to see how much sympathy his family is shown and I can say the family is extremely grateful for it.

“However, it should not be forgotten Michael’s family is dealing with an extremely intimate and fragile situation.

“And I would like to remind all of us Michael has always actively kept his family out of the public eye and consequently protected their private lives.

“We believe he will win this fight.”

The positive update comes with the F1 season looming.