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MICHAEL SCHUMACHER

Schumacher still in ‘wake up phase’ from coma

In the first official statement from his entourage in weeks, Michael Schumacher's spokeswoman said on Friday the racing legend is still fighting his way out of a medically-induced coma.

Schumacher still in 'wake up phase' from coma
It was status quo on Friday for racing star Michael Schumacher's recovery from a major head injury. Photo: AFP

Schumacher remains in a "wake-up phase" from the coma he was placed in following a life-threatening skiing accident nearly ten weeks ago, spokeswoman Sabine Kehm said.

Kehm's statement was the first since February 13, when the Formula One legend's family said they continued to strongly believe that he would recover.

Kehm 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's condition has been the subject of much speculation by media around the world but few details have been released by the medical team looking after him in the University clinic in the French Alpine city of Grenoble.

Reports that he had contracted pneumonia but beaten the lung infection in the first half of February have not been confirmed or denied.

Two weeks ago, his friend and former teammate Felipe Massa was quoted as saying that Schumacher seemed to respond to him during a recent visit.

"He is sleeping, he looks normal and he showed a few responses with his mouth," Massa told German tabloid Bild.

"I was very happy to be able to spend some time with him," said Massa. "I spoke with him a lot, about how the team was doing, about the new car."

"I tried to give him the best possible energy," he said. "He is a very strong person and I really hope that he will again be able to enjoy life."

Schumacher was put into an induced coma after a December 29 accident in which he hit his head on a rock while skiing at the resort of Meribel in the French Alps with his son and a group of friends.

Before being placed in the coma, he had surgery to reduce bleeding and bruising. His family announced on January 30 that the drugs used to keep him in a coma were being reduced with a view to bringing him back to consciousness.

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MICHAEL SCHUMACHER

Mick Schumacher joins Ferrari Driver Academy

Mick Schumacher, the teenage son of seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher, has joined Ferrari's Driver Academy, the Italian Formula One stable confirmed on Saturday.

Mick Schumacher joins Ferrari Driver Academy
Mick Schumacher. Photo: AFP

Schumacher, 19, who races in Formula Two next season, will take part in the pre-season activities of the Ferrari Driver Academy starting next week.

“I am thrilled that Ferrari has entered a partnership with me and my future in motorsport will be in red, being part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and also of the Scuderia Ferrari Family,” said Schumacher.

The European Formula 3 champion will be joined by fellow Formula 2 racers Callum Ilott and Giuliano Alesi, along with Marcus Armstrong, Robert Schwartzman, Enzo Fittipaldi and Gianluca Petecof.

“Be sure I will make everything to extract whatever helps me achieve my
dream, racing in Formula 1,” said Schumacher.

“This is another step forward in the right direction, and I can only profit from the immense amount of expertise bundled there.

“It is more than obvious that Ferrari has a big place in my heart since I was born and also in the hearts of our family, so I am delighted on a personal level about this opportunity as well.”

Michael Schumacher, 50, has not been seen in public since suffering head injuries during a accident on December 29th, 2013 while skiing with Mick and his condition is a secret closely guarded by his family.

Ferrari's Museum at Maranello is currently hosting an exhibition to mark Schumacher's 50th birthday.

In Schumacher's record-breaking F1 career he won an as yet unequalled seven world titles, 91 victories and 155 podiums.

“For someone like me who has known him from birth, there's no doubt that welcoming Mick into Ferrari has a special emotional meaning,” said Ferrari's new Team Principal Mattia Binotto, “but we have chosen him for his talent and the human and professional qualities that have already distinguished him despite his young age.”

READ ALSO: Ferrari to mark Schumacher's 50th birthday with exhibition in Modena