Schumacher out of coma

Grenoble (France), June 1:

In a good news for motorsport fans, Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher is declared to be out of coma and has been moved from the Grenoble University Hospital here.

However, the 45-year-old German will continue his rehabilitation at an undisclosed location.

“Michael has left the CHU Grenoble to continue his long phase of rehabilitation. He is not in a coma anymore,” Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm said in statement Monday.

The seven-time F1 champion was placed in a medically induced coma after suffering a severe head injury in a skiing accident in Meribel in the French Alps Dec 29.

“His family would like to explicitly thank all his treating doctors, nurses and therapists in Grenoble as well as the first aiders at the place of the accident, who did an excellent job in those first months,” said the statement.

Schumacher’s family also wished the fans who had been praying for the driver’s fast recovery.

“The family also wishes to thank all the people who have sent Michael all the many good wishes to Michael. We are sure it helped him. For the future we ask for understanding that his further rehabilitation will take place away from the public eye.”

Schumacher retired from racing in 2012 after a 19-year career. He won two titles with Benetton, in 1994 and 1995, before switching to Ferrari in 1996 and going on to win five straight titles from 2000.

(IANS)