Grenoble, France (SportsNetwork.com) - Michael Schumacher is having "moments of consciousness and awakening," according to the latest update released by his management on Friday.
Schumacher, a seven-time Formula One world champion, suffered a traumatic brain injury during a skiing accident on Dec. 29 in the French Alps. The 45- year-old German was placed in a medically-induced coma after undergoing surgery to remove blood clots from his brain. In late January, Schumacher's medical team at the Grenoble University Hospital began reducing his sedation.
"Michael is making progress on his way," Schumacher's manager, Sabine Kehm, said in a statement. "He shows moments of consciousness and awakening. 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."
"We would like to thank you all for the continuous sympathies. At the same time we again ask for understanding that we do not intend to disclose details. This is necessary to protect the privacy of Michael and his family, and to enable the medical team to work in full calmness."
Formula One is in Sakhir, Bahrain this weekend for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is a nighttime race for the first time.
Earlier this year, the first corner at Bahrain International Circuit was named in honor of Schumacher, who won a record 91 grand prix, including the 2004 inaugural Bahrain GP. Schumacher advised the race organizers during construction phase of that circuit.
[SportsNetwork.com]
