'Is Michael Schumacher about to wake-up?' Docs start bringing ski crash F1 ace out of coma

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER has provided a flicker of hope that he may be about to wake up after blinking during brain tests as doctors slowly wake him from his coma.

 IMPROVEMENT: Michael Schumacher is being woken up from his coma his manager has confirmed

The seven-time F1 world champion has been in the medically induced coma since his shock ski accident on December 29 but today doctors began the process of gradually waking him.


And according to French sports paper L'Equipe the racing driver blinked his eyes during tests on his brain while Sky News has revealed that Schumacher was "responding to simple instructions".

L'Equipe wrote: "After gradually reducing the sedation of the patient, the team of head doctor Emmanuel Gay have been testing his neurological reflexes since Monday. During the early stages the patient blinked."

The news will come as relief to Schumacher's family who have not left the champion's bedside since he was admitted to Grenoble's University Hospital Centre following the ski crash.
The prognosis for the legendary sportsman looked bleak immediately after the crash but it now appears the man affectionately known as "Schumi" is well on the road to recovery.

A statement from Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm said: "Michael's sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start of the waking-up process, which may take a long time."
Schumacher was put into the coma by doctors following operations to remove blood clots from his brain.

TREATMENT: The Grenoble hospital where the F1 great is being treated
 
Ms Kehm said in her statement on Thursday it had only been agreed to communicate details of the racing great's condition "once this process was consolidated".

She added: "The family of Michael Schumacher is again requesting for their privacy, and the medical secret, to be respected, and to not disturb the doctors treating Michael in their work.
"At the same time, the family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the sympathy they have received from around the world.

Investigators looking into the reasons why Schumacher, a vastly experienced skier, fell and smashed his head against a rock have ruled out faulty skis, poor signage or excessive speed.

SUPPORT: Schumacher's wife Corrina has been beside him throughout his treatment 
 

The impact of the collision was so great it split his helmet in two.
Schumacher, 45, was one of the most dominant drivers in Formula One history before retiring in 2012.
The legendary racer won more titles than anyone else in history and enjoyed 91 Grand Prix victories between 1994 and 2004.