Manager: 'Michael Schumacher shows moments of consciousness and awakening'

The manager of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher has revealed that the stricken sportsman is showing "moments of consciousness and awakening" following his skiing accident last year.

The 45-year-old has been in a medically-induced coma in the University Hospital in Grenoble since he hit his head on a rock while skiing off-piste in the French Alps on December 29.

Despite fears that the German could remain in a vegetative state following the accident, it has been confirmed that the former Ferrari driver is "making progress".

Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm said in a statement: "Michael is making progress on his way. He shows moments of consciousness and awakening. We are on his side during his long and difficult fight - together with the team of the hospital in Grenoble, and we keep remaining confident."

Schumacher has undergone two operations on his brain since being admitted to hospital.