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Schumacher 'sedation is being reduced' confirms family

January 30, 2014 « 'It feels like the most powerful engine I've driven' - Button | Boullier the right man for the job - Button » A message of support for Michael Schumacher on a Mercedes at the pre-season testing in Jerez © Mercedes

The family of Michael Schumacher have confirmed media reports he is slowly being brought out of his medically induced coma.

A family spokesman said: "Michael's sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start of the waking up process which may take long time."

Media reports which originated in France yesterday claimed this was happening but that was denied last night by Schumacher's manager.

Professor Gary Hartstein, a former F1 doctor who worked with Schumacher, told the BBC it "was extremely unlikely" that he would regain his previous level of health but said his current condition was encouraging. "The fact that he is still sedated and not in an unsedated coma is better news than I expected."