Michael Schumacher fans hold birthday vigil

Written By JAK on Friday, January 3, 2014 | 1:47 PM

Fans of Michael Schumacher put signs with messages of support and banners of F1 Ferrari team, in front of the Grenoble University Hospital Centre (3 Jan 2014)

Ferrari fans have travelled from Italy to show their support for the former F1 champion

Fans of Michael Schumacher are converging on a French hospital to mark the injured F1 legend's 45th birthday.

Ferrari clubs from France and Italy are gathering outside his hospital in the city of Grenoble.

On Thursday Schumacher's family thanked fans for their "great support" and described the German as a "fighter".

The most successful Formula 1 driver in history is in a medically induced coma after suffering head injuries while skiing in the French Alps on Sunday.

He remains in a stable but critical condition, his manager has said.

Supporters plan to hold a one-minute silence outside the hospital at 13:00 local time (12:00 GMT).

Schumacher fans David and Samuel with birthday card (3 Jan 2014)

Fans David and 12-year-old Samuel brought a birthday card for Schumacher

The German champion, who retired in 2012, had been skiing off-piste when he fell and hit his head. His helmet cracked on impact after hitting a rock.

Ferrari - the racing team with which Schumacher had 72 of his 91 F1 wins - said in a statement that it wanted to send him very special wishes for his birthday as he tackles "the most important fight of his life".

Supporters outside the hospital are easy to spot; most are wearing red jumpers or caps with the Ferrari logo. All speak of the irony that a driver who risked his life on the race track ended up so severely injured on a family skiing holiday.

Michael Schumacher's family has been at his bedside since his accident and Friday is likely to be an especially difficult day as the Formula 1 driver turns 45.

It is clear from their statement on Thursday that they are drawing some comfort from the words of sympathy expressed by fans around the world.

Doctors confirmed on Tuesday that Schumacher had shown signs of improvement, but was still "not out of danger".

They ruled out giving a prognosis for his condition in the coming days and months.

But it is medically possible for someone to spend several weeks in an induced coma and fully recover from it.

'Sign of closeness'

Ferrari said buses had been organised to transport the Italian and French fans to Grenoble for the tribute.

Spokesman Renato Bisignani said people were being encouraged to dress in red and bring flags, as "a sign of closeness to Michael Schumacher, done in a very respectful way".

But the spokesman insisted that the event was not about promoting the Ferrari brand or its clients.

Corinna Schumacher arriving at hospital (3 Jan 2014)

Schumacher's wife Corinna and family have thanked fans for their support

"We will make sure we remain sensitive at this difficult time," he said.

International messages of support have been pouring in for the former champion.