Formula One legend Michael Schumacher is to turn 45 on Friday while lying comatose in a French hospital after suffering critical head injuries in a ski accident.
Doctors and family members were tight-lipped on Thursday about the condition of the German racing great, who has been hospitalised since Sunday, when he slammed his head against a rock while skiing in the French Alps.
The New Zealand Herald reports that there have been conflicting statements about the speed the seven-time world racing champion was going when the tragedy befell him in the Meribel ski resort, where he has a property. The rock impact split the helmet Schumacher was wearing in two, according to a source close to the investigation.
The Ferrari F1 team where Schumacher spent many years announced it would on Friday hold a “silent gathering” in front of the Grenoble hospital for the birthday of the retired sportsman, who is being kept in an induced coma.
Jean Todt, former head of the team and current president of motor sport’s world body, was at Schumacher’s bedside on Thursday along with Schumacher’s wife Corinna.