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04th Nov 2016

Reports on Michael Schumacher’s condition are “wrong” says ex-Ferrari tech chief Ross Brawn

But there are "encouraging signs"

Rob Burnett

Michael Schumacher is showing “encouraging signs” in his recovery from his skiing accident, a former Ferrari colleague and friend has said.

The German racing driver, 47, was put into a coma after he suffered severe head injuries while skiing in the Alpine resort of Meribel in December 2013.

He was later moved from hospital to the family home on the shores of Lake Geneva where he is continuing his recovery.

His family have decided not to release details about his condition, but Ross Brawn, who was Schumacher’s technical director at Benetton and Ferrari and oversaw all seven of his Formula 1 World Championship titles, says the German is making progress.

“The family have chosen to conduct Michael’s convalescence in private and I must respect that,” Brawn told the BBC.

Michael Schumacher of Germany, driver of the #1 Mild Seven Benetton Ford Benetton B195 Renault V10 talking with team technical director Ross Brawn ( L) and race engineer Pat Symonds during practice for theEuropean Grand Prix on 1 October 1995 at the Nurburgring, Nurburg, Germany. (Photo by Pascal Rondeau/Getty Images)(Photo by Pascal Rondeau/Getty Images)

 

“There are encouraging signs and we are all praying every day that we see more of them. So it is difficult for me to say very much and respect the family’s privacy.

“All I would say is there is a lot of speculation about Michael’s condition.

“Most of it’s wrong and we just pray and hope every day that we continue to see some progress and that one day we can see Michael out and about and recovered from his terrible injuries.”

Schumacher is the most successful driver in the history of Formula 1 with seven world championship titles and 91 wins under his belt. Brawn masterminded every single one of them in his role as technical chief at the Benetton and Ferrari teams, before they worked together again at Mercedes after Schumacher came out of retirement.

VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 01: Michael Schumacher (R) of Germany and Mercedes GP talks with Mercedes GP Team Principal Ross Brawn (L) as they attend the launch of the new Mercedes MGP W02 at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit on February 1, 2011 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)(Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)