Family pays tribute to absent Schumacher

Michael Schumacher’s manager on Monday paid tribute to the absent F1 legend, as his entire family gathered for a rare public appearance.

In Marburg, Germany, Schumacher’s wife Corinna, father Rolf, children Gina-Maria and Mick and friends Norbert Haug and Stefano Domenicali all gathered.

Attended by 200 others, it was the opening of an exhibition celebrating Schumacher’s career, hosted by long-time sponsor DVAG and taking place on the 20th anniversary of the great German’s first test at the wheel of a Ferrari.

The notable absentee, however, was the 47-year-old seven time world champion himself, as he was apparently still being tended to by full-time rehabilitation staff at his palatial home on the shores of Lake Geneva.

"He is the most successful driver in history," manager Kehm said, "and sometimes, on days like this, it is good to be reminded of it.

"Of course, Michael is not here and of course we miss him. We know what has happened and cannot change it. We must accept it and hope with everything we have that with continued support and patience he will one day be back with us.

"Racing was his life and no one would have liked to have been here more than him," Kehm added.