Schumacher 'making progress'
October 23, 2014
Former Formula One ace Michael Schumacher is making progress, according to a doctor who has treated him since his life-threatening skiing accident in December 2013. Jean-Francois Payen predicted Schumacher's convalescence to be between one to three years.
"I have noticed some progress but I would say we will have to give him time," Payen told RTL radio on Thursday.
"It is like for other patients. We are in a time scale of one to three years, so you need patience."
Payen treated Schumacher after his accident in hospital in the French town of Grenoble, and is now tracking his progress at the family home in Gland, Switzerland, as well as at another hospital in Lausanne.
Schumacher was with his 14-year-old son in the French Alps when the incident happened. French authorities said Schumacher was skiing off piste when he hit an impediment, fell 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) and hit his head on rocks. His ski helmet was destroyed on impact.
He first came out of an artificially-induced coma in June.
Payen praised Schumacher's wife, Corinna, for the role she has played in her husband's ongoing recovery.
"It is someone very linked to Michael, but who has a lucidity and a desire to make him advance which is an extraordinary point," Payen said.
"She is a very good person," he added.
Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver in Formula One history. On top of his impressive collection of World Championships, Schumacher also participated in a total of 308 Grands Prix. He first retired in 2006, but returned to the sport three years later, although he enjoyed less success. After the 2012 season, Schumacher retired from Formula One for good.
jr/ksb (AP, AFP)