Doctors to start 'wake up process' for Michael Schumacher from coma

Doctors at the Grenoble University Hospital have started the process to bring F1 legend Michael Schumacher out of the medically induced coma he has been placed in to reduce the effects of the injuries caused by near-fatal skiing accident last December.

Schumacher’s spokesperson Sabine Kehm issued in an official statement that drugs used to keep the 45-year-old German racing legend have been reduced to start the long process. Kehm's last statement assured that Schumacher was 'considered stable' to refute rumors saying the German might not recover from his coma.

The official statement read:

"Michael's sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start of the waking up process which may take a long time."

"For the protection of the family, it was originally agreed by the interested parties to communicate this information only once this process was consolidated. Please note that no further updates will be given."

Schumacher has been in the intensive care unit and has so far undergone two surgeries performed at the French hospital after his December 29 accident in the Alpine resort at Mirabel. 

He fell and hit his head against a rock after venturing on to a small off-piste section while skiing with his son and a group of friends.

The strong impact of the collision split the protective helmet he was wearing and has caused severe head injuries.

He was immediately airlifted to the French hospital where surgeons said he suffered bleeding and bruising on his brain and a scan showed "widespread lesions". To reduce the risk of further damage, the German was placed in a medically induced coma, while his body temperature was cooled.

The German is hailed as the most successful Formula One driver in the history of the sport with 91 race victories, 155 podium finishes, 1,566 career points, 68 pole positions and 77 fastest laps.

He has also won the most championships, winning 2 with Benetton (1994, 1995) and 5 with Ferrari (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004). He last drove for Mercedes GP at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix following his comeback after retiring from Scuderia Ferrari at the end of 2006.