Schumacher out of coma, leaves French hospital

Ferrari F1 driver Michael Schumacher of Germany celebrates after taking the pole position at the end of the qualifying session for the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Sakhir racetrack in Manama in this March 11, 2006 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

Berlin - German Formula 1 racing driver Michael Schumacher is out of coma, said his spokeswomen Sabine Kehm in an official statement, as German media reported on Monday.

The best sports news of the year, as the German media called this, after the seven-time Formula One world champion Schumacher woke up from his over-half-year-long coma.

Schumacher has been recently removed from the University Hospital in Grenoble, France to a rehab clinic, said the official statement.

Schumacher Ski Accident Draws Concern

Kehm also said that his family would like to express thanks to all doctors, therapists, nurses and staff in Grenoble, as well as the first-aider at the accident site, who have done an excellent job in these first few months.

Accoring to the media report, the wake phasen of Schumacher that Kehm described in her last statement in early April were getting longer in recent weeks and Schumacher can hear voices that responds to touches.

German newspaper Bild also reported that Schumacher even opened his eyes during these "wake phasen" and he can communicate with people, especially with his wife and his children.

Schumacher's condition was considered stable enough so that he no longer needs the help of specialists in Grenoble.

The retired seven-time Formula One champion lay in a coma since he suffered a severe head injury in a skiing accident on Dec. 29 at Meribel ski resort in the French Alps. The recovery phase took longer than expected.

 

Schumacher, a blend of greatness and daring

Schumacher's wife pleads for media to respect privacy