FORMER F1 chief Ross Brawn has shed light on the condition of racing legend Michael Schumacher, following his tragic ski accident in 2013.
Brawn, who worked with the champion driver on all seven of his world titles, said the German was showing “encouraging signs” in his recovery from injuries which saw him nearly die.
The ex-Ferrari technical director told the BBC: “The family have chosen to conduct Michael’s convalescence in private and I must respect that.
“There are encouraging signs and we are all praying every day that we see more of them.
“So it is difficult for me to say very much and respect the family’s privacy.
“All I would say is there is a lot of speculation about Michael’s condition.
“Most of it’s wrong and we just pray and hope every day that we continue to see some progress and that one day we can see Michael out and about and recovered from his terrible injuries.”
Schumacher‘s fans were previously given a glimmer of hope after German magazine Bunte claimed he was able to walk again.
But after taking the publication to court over the claims, the former F1 ace’s lawyer Felix Damm explained insisted: “He cannot walk.”
Schumacher, 47, suffered horrific injuries after hitting his head on a rock while skiing with wife Corinna and their two children in Switzerland nearly three years ago.
He spent six months battling for his life while in a medically-induced coma.
And information on his condition has been sparse since he was moved to a special medical facility at the family's home on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Bunte's report alleged the seven-time world champion was on the road to recovery.
An unnamed friend told the magazine: "Michael is very thin. But he can once again walk a little with the help of his therapists.
"He manages to make a couple of steps. And he can also raise an arm."
Schumacher's team were then forced to deny the rumours, with his manager Sabine Kehm calling the story "irresponsible".
She said: "Unfortunately, we are forced by a recent press report to clarify that the assertion that Michael could move again is not true.
"Such speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important for Michael.
"Unfortunately they also give false hopes to many involved people."
Kehm added she hoped he would "one day be back with us".
And Damm's testimony added that Schumacher could not stand even with the help of carers.
A decision is due on the case next month.
Schumacher is given round-the-clock care by a team of doctors with estimates putting the costs at more than £115,000-a-week.
A friend claimed earlier this year it would take a "miracle" for him to return to public life.
Post a Comment