Schumacher 'still in a waking up process'

Michael Schumacher’s management have confirmed that doctors are continuing the process of bringing the seven-time world champion out of his medically-induced coma following his skiing accident in December.

"Michael’s family would like to again express their sincere thanks for the continuous sympathy coming from all over the world,” said a statement released on Thursday. “The good wishes they receive help the family and, we are convinced they also help Michael, who still is in a waking up process."

Schumacher, 45, was placed in an induced coma in Grenoble's University Hospital in France after falling and hitting his head on a rock during a family ski trip. The German’s medical team began reducing his sedation at the end of January.

“As often in such situation no day is like the next,” continued Thursday’s statement. “The family is thankful for one’s understanding that they would not wish to disclose medical details in order to protect Michael’s privacy. 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 heal process progresses in a continuous and controlled way."