Seven-time world F1 Champion Michael Schumancher remains in a critical condition following a skiing accident in the French Alps.

The latest reports have his wife, Corinna, daughter Gina Maria and son Mick at his bedside as the German continues to fight for his life after hitting his head on a rock.

"The family is not doing very well, obviously. They are shocked," Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm told reporters. Schumacher suffered head injuries after a fall at the resort of Meribel and has been placed in a medically-induced coma to relieve pressure on his brain.

There is still no further prognosis from Grenoble University Hospital's intensive care unit headed by Prof Jean-Francois Payen. "He is in a critical state in terms of cerebral resuscitation. We are working hour by hour," said Prof Payen.

Doctors have lowered Schumacher's body temperature to 34-35C (93.2-95F) as part of the coma, slowing his metabolism to help reduce inflammation.

Prof Payen said that if Schumacher had not been wearing a helmet "he wouldn't be here now. We had to operate urgently to release some pressure in his head.”

According to neurosurgeon Stephan Chabardes, a post-operative scan had shown "diffuse haemorrhagic lesions" on both sides of Schumacher's brain. Chabardes said that Schumacher was in an "agitated condition" when first evacuated to the nearby town of Moutiers. Once there, his neurological condition "deteriorated rapidly" and Schumacher was then taken to the larger facility in Grenoble.

Original article from Car