Michael Schumacher "out of coma"

Seven-time Formula 1 champion is out of his medically induced coma and has left hospital in Grenoble, his management company has said

MICHAEL Schumacher is out of a coma, and has left the hospital in Grenoble where he was being treated following a skiing accident in December, it has been reported.

The 45-year-old seven-time Formula 1 champion had been in a medically induced coma since his skiing accident in Meribel in the French Alps in December.

But, today, his management company said in a statement: "Michael has left the CHU Grenoble to continue his long phase of rehabilitation. He is not in a coma any more.

"His family would like to explicitly thank all his treating doctors, nurses and therapists in Grenoble as well as the first aiders at the place of the accident, who did an excellent job in those first months.

"The family also wishes to thank all the people who have sent Michael all the many good wishes. We are sure it helped him."

"For the future we ask for understanding that his further rehabilitation will take place away from the public eye."

Photo: Chris J Moffett