Michael Schumacher Showing 'Small Signs' of Recovery From Crash Coma

Michael Schumacher's family have been encouraged by "small signs" that he will wake up from his ski crash coma, a spokeswomen said.

Sabine Kehm said in a written statement there was reason to remain hopeful, despite reports last week that doctors believed only a "miracle" could save the seven-time F1 world champion.

Kehm said: "We are and remain confident that Michael will pull through and will wake up."

"There sometimes are small, encouraging signs, but we also know that this is the time to be very patient."

Schumacher remains in Grenoble University Hospital where doctors have spent weeks trying to lift him from his coma. But the wake up process has taken far longer than the standard two weeks.

Kehm last week denied reports that waking Schumacher from the coma had been abandoned by doctors.

She said: "Michael is still in the wake up phase. The situation has not changed.

"Any medical information published which is not confirmed by the team of doctors treating Michael or his management has to be considered as not valid."

Schumacher suffered catastrophic brain injuries when he cracked his head on a rock while skiing in the French Alps resort of Meribel, last December.

Since being admitted to hospital in nearby Grenoble, he has reported battled a lung infection and his family have been hit by a death rumour online, which prompted a rare denial from the medical team.