Schumacher showing 'moments of consciousness'

Michael Schumacher is showing ‘moments of consciousness and awakening’, according to the latest statement released by his management on Friday, as doctors continue to work on bringing the seven-time world champion out of a coma following his skiing accident late last year.

“Michael is making progress on his way,” read the statement. “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, 45, was placed in an induced coma in Grenoble's University Hospital in France after falling and hitting his head on a rock during a family ski trip last December. The German’s medical team began reducing his sedation at the end of January.

“We would like to thank you all for the continuous sympathies,” added the statement. “At the same time we again ask for understanding that we do not intend to disclose details. This is necessary to protect the privacy of Michael and his family, and to enable the medical team to work in full calmness.”

Organisers of this weekend’s 2014 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix have renamed Turn 1 of the Sakhir circuit in Schumacher’s honour, with a message on the track's barriers reading, ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with you Michael’.