There were touching scenes outside the Grenoble hospital on Friday as Ferrari fans held a vigil for Michael Schumacher on his 45th birthday.
The seven-time world champion remains in a medically-induced coma following a skiing accident in the French Alps at the end of December. The German's family released a statement on Friday night thanking fans outside the hospital for their support.
The vigil, organised by Ferrari to coincide with his birthday, was attended by hundreds of fans who travelled from all over Europe with flags and banners.
Schumacher was skiing off-piste with a group in the Meribel resort when he fell and hit his head on a rock. The last update on his condition arrived on Wednesday, when his long-time manager Sabine Kehm said he was in a "stable" but critical condition.
"Over two hundred fans from Italian and French Scuderia Ferrari Clubs converged on the Grenoble university hospital today, while many others, from Germany and Spain, responded to the call from Ferrari, to pay a special tribute to Michael Schumacher on his forty fifth birthday," said a statement on Ferrari's website.
"They travelled for many hours by car and coach, six from northern Italy, in a gesture of support for the family and those close to the German driver, to show how much he means to the fans and to each and every one of them goes the thanks of Ferrari.
"The Ferrari Heart which was displayed today in the hospital car park in the French city was held up by the hands of those present but also metaphorically by the strength of the millions of fans from around the world who today are even closer than ever to Michael, as he fights the hardest challenge of his life. Forza Michael!"
Meanwhile, Schumacher's family - who remain at his bedside - released a short statement thanking fans for their support: "The incredible sympathies shown today by the Ferrari Fans outside the hospital has utterly overwhelmed us and moved us all to tears.
"We are deeply grateful for it and also for all the heartwarming and heartfelt wishes for Michael to get well soon, which have reached us from all over the world."
Ferrari also paid tribute to the most successful driver in F1 history, sharing 72 special memories that they shared with him in a photo slideshow on their website.
My thoughts continue to go out to Schumacher and his family at this difficult time, and I wish him a speedy recovery.
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| © Octane Photographic |
The vigil, organised by Ferrari to coincide with his birthday, was attended by hundreds of fans who travelled from all over Europe with flags and banners.
Schumacher was skiing off-piste with a group in the Meribel resort when he fell and hit his head on a rock. The last update on his condition arrived on Wednesday, when his long-time manager Sabine Kehm said he was in a "stable" but critical condition.
"Over two hundred fans from Italian and French Scuderia Ferrari Clubs converged on the Grenoble university hospital today, while many others, from Germany and Spain, responded to the call from Ferrari, to pay a special tribute to Michael Schumacher on his forty fifth birthday," said a statement on Ferrari's website.
"They travelled for many hours by car and coach, six from northern Italy, in a gesture of support for the family and those close to the German driver, to show how much he means to the fans and to each and every one of them goes the thanks of Ferrari.
"The Ferrari Heart which was displayed today in the hospital car park in the French city was held up by the hands of those present but also metaphorically by the strength of the millions of fans from around the world who today are even closer than ever to Michael, as he fights the hardest challenge of his life. Forza Michael!"
Meanwhile, Schumacher's family - who remain at his bedside - released a short statement thanking fans for their support: "The incredible sympathies shown today by the Ferrari Fans outside the hospital has utterly overwhelmed us and moved us all to tears.
"We are deeply grateful for it and also for all the heartwarming and heartfelt wishes for Michael to get well soon, which have reached us from all over the world."
Ferrari also paid tribute to the most successful driver in F1 history, sharing 72 special memories that they shared with him in a photo slideshow on their website.
My thoughts continue to go out to Schumacher and his family at this difficult time, and I wish him a speedy recovery.
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