Schumacher Family 'Overwhelmed' By Fans' Vigil

Michael Schumacher's family has been "utterly overwhelmed" and "moved to tears" by fans' silent vigil to mark the Formula One legend's 45th birthday.

On the stricken driver's official website the family said: "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."

Fans show their support outside the hospital treating the injured driver

The seven-times F1 world champion has been in Grenoble University Hospital since suffering critical head injuries in a skiing accident in the French Alps on Sunday.

His father Rolf and brother Ralf arrived separately to visit him on Friday. His wife Corinna and children Gina-Maria, 16, and 14-year-old Mick are also at his bedside.

The Ferrari team, for which he spent many years racing, bussed in scores of fans from Italy and France to the hospital.

Rolf (left) and Ralf Schumacher arrive at the hospital

It put a message on its website, saying "Forza Michael," or "Go Michael" in Italian.

"He is tackling the most important fight of his life and therefore we want to send him very special wishes," said Schumacher's old team, as similar messages poured in from around the world.

German former tennis ace Boris Becker wished his compatriot "Happy Birthday" on Twitter, adding "Fight Schumi" in a German hashtag.

Schumacher slammed his head against a rock on Sunday while skiing near Meribel and has had two operations to remove bleeding and pressure on his brain.

He is being kept in an induced coma and in the latest health update given by his manager on Wednesday, his condition was described as stable but still critical.

New statements will be issued when there is a change in his condition.

Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik made this message

In an earlier statement the family thank fans and said: "We all know he is a fighter and will not give up."

Fans left a poster outside the Grenoble hospital saying: "Schumi, all our thoughts for you and your family."

Accountant Stefano Pini, 47, who arrived from Milan to pay tribute, said: "Schumi has given us a lot in the past.

"The least we could do is to come here and support him and his family on his birthday."

The German was injured while skiing off piste in Meribel, France

French fan Gabriel Klose, who turned up with his 12-year-old son, said: "He is one of my greatest idols. We want him to fight and to return to us."

However, the Ferrari tribute has created controversy with some accusing the Italian racing giant - which asked fans to sport its trademark colour red and its insignia - of exceeding the limits of good taste.

The carmaker, which has 130 clubs in Europe, provided about 20 coaches across Italy to bus in fans for the vigil.

But Roberto Luongo, president of the Roma-Colesseo Ferrari club, said he did not want to be associated with an event linked to "a man who is suffering".

"It's very delicate and if I was among those who are close to Michael, such an initiative would not have pleased me," he said.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

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