Schumacher Showing 'Moments Of Awakening'

[j4v3d]

Formula One ace Michael Schumacher is showing "moments of consciousness and awakening," according to his agent.

The 45-year-old has been in an induced coma since suffering a serious head injury in a skiing accident in the French Alps resort of Meribel in December.

"Michael is making progress on his way. He shows moments of consciousness and awakening," Sabine Kehm said.

"We are on his side during his long and difficult fight, together with the team of the hospital in Grenoble, and we keep remaining confident."

Earlier this week, Ms Kehm told German newspaper Bild: "There are signs that give us encouragement."

The paper also quoted her as denying reports Schumacher's family are building a special medical facility to help care for him at their home.

Schumacher was reportedly travelling at speeds of up to 60mph when the accident happened, and is thought to have been saved by his skiing helmet, which split on impact.

The racing legend's chief doctor said last week that it was unlikely he would ever fully recover from the accident.

Doctor Gary Hartstein wrote on his blog: "As time goes on, it becomes less and less likely that Michael will emerge to any significant extent."

Schumacher left motor racing last year after a disappointing three-year comeback following an earlier retirement from Ferrari at the end of 2006.

Sky's F1 reporter Craig Slater, reporting from Bahrain where the grand prix event is due to take place this weekend, said: "This is a significant step forward it seems though it does fly in the face of recent reports about the state of his health.

"This is a positive step though far from any insurance he is going to make a full recovery.

"Doctors had told the Schumacher family that only a miracle could save him but the news has been greeted with a great deal of enthusiasm and brightened everyone's mood.

"I've spoken to representatives from Schumacher's team at Ferrari; from the lowliest mechanic upwards, they're delighted with the news."

http://news.sky.com/story/1237059/schumacher-showing-moments-of-awakening