Michael Schumacher In 'Stable' Condition

Formula One great Michael Schumacher remains in a "stable" condition following a skiing accident in the French Alps that left him in a medically-induced coma.

The seven-times world champion has been in a Grenoble hospital with severe injuries since the accident on December 29.

For the first time, his manager Sabine Kehm did not mention the word "critical" to describe his condition.

In an email, she said: "Michael's family is very happy and confident with the work of the team of doctors treating Michael, and they trust them completely. Michael's condition is still considered as stable."

It is the first statement since Schumacher's wife, Corinna, appealed on January 7 for the family to be left in peace.

Ms Kehm repeated that "any information regarding Michael's health not coming from the doctors treating him or from his management must be treated as pure speculation".

Doctors have not commented on his condition since January 6, when they said they still regarded him to be critical.

Investigators probing the reasons for the accident in which Schumacher smashed his head against a rock have ruled out faulty skis, inadequate signage and excessive speed.

Schumacher appears to have skied on a partially-covered rock, lost his balance and fallen on another rock further down, according to the prosecutor in charge of the investigation.

The impact was so strong it split his helmet in two.

The accident, in the upmarket French resort of Meribel, shocked Schumacher's legions of fans and devastated his wife Corinna and two teenage children.

Schumacher dominated Formula One before retiring in 2012, winning more titles than any other driver and enjoying 91 Grand Prix victories between 1994 and 2004.

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