Schumacher press conference: key excerpts

Neurosurgeon Professor Stephan Chabardes: "On his arrival we examined him clinically and we realised he was in a serious condition, in a coma, with in fact cranial pressure. The brain scan showed a number of pieces of information, some intercranial haematoma but also some cerebral contusions and oedema. We operated urgently to try to eliminate the haematoma. After the operation we saw that we had been able to eliminate these haematoma but also sadly the appearance of various bilateral lesions.”

Chief anaesthesiologist Professor Jean-Francois Payen: "We believe that taking into consideration the very violent shock, his helmet did protect him of course. Somebody having this kind of accident without the helmet would not have got to here."

Professor Chabardes: "The helmet wasn't enough to protect him completely but it really did help. We see a lot of head injuries like this."

Professor Payen: "We can say he is fighting for his life. We judge him to be in a very serious situation. We cannot tell what the outcome will be yet. We are working hour-by-hour but it's too early to say what is going to happen and to have a prognosis.”

Professor Payen: "Taking into consideration what we have observed, that despite a helmet he arrived with lesions that were quite severe, the shock must have taken place at high speed."

Professor Chabardes "I did tell you there were a number of serious lesions, but I am not going to tell you any details. The impact was on the right side - he fell on his side. At the time of the accident he was agitated, but not responding to questions. He did not have a normal neurological reaction."

Contrary to prior reports in the German media, Professor Payen said: "We are in constant contact with his family that are by his bedside. At this moment we don't see he is going to need a second operation."

Professor Payen:  "I'd say this accident happened in the right place because he was taken into hospital immediately and operated on as soon as he arrived, this meant his state is critical and he is still in a coma and he will be kept in a coma ...  I'd say this accident happened in the right place because he was taken into hospital immediately and operated on as soon as he arrived, this meant his state is critical and he is still in a coma and he will be kept in a coma.”

Professor Chabardes: "I am very worried just like his family, we are very worried about his condition. the doctors won't tell you more because they can't tell you more, they are working hour by hour. This kind of accident, luckily he's 45 which is better than if you were older."