Exciting way Schumacher is ‘communicating with his family’

Schumacher, who suffered blood clots on his brain following a skiing accident in December, awoke from an induced coma in June and the latest developments has led to suggestions that he could be allowed home next month.

The seven-time Formula One champion is still in a critical condition in the Swiss clinic he moved to last month but the latest developments has increased hope that Schumacher could make a recovery.

In June it was reported by German newspaper Bild that he could hear voices and was responding to touches but the fact he can now respond to questions from his wife Corinna and their children Gina-Maria, 17, and Mick, 15, marks another step on the road to recovery.

There is still quite a way to go, however.

Schumacher remains bed-bound but, according to a report in the Daily Mirror, doctors at the Swiss clinic where he is being treated aim to get him sitting upright in an electronic wheelchair that can be controlled via the mouth.

The next stage of his rehabilitation could take place in the family mansion in Gauld which, it is has been reported, has been converted into a facility capable of assisting in his care.

Corinna wrote a tribute to fans at the German Grand Prix over the weekend in which she suggested that the hardest times were over.

“The German Grand Prix gives me the perfect opportunity to cordially thank you all for the good wishes and positive energies you keep sending to Michael,” she said.

“I have to say your sympathies blew us all away.

“It is good to know that together we made it through the hardest time.

“Now we are facing a phase which will presumably take a long time.”

Formula One legend Niki Lauda wrote: “Michael, everyday I follow the news on your progress and every day I am close to you. I hope I will be able to talk to you very, very soon.”