Schumacher ’waking up process’ has begun - manager

Michael Schumacher’s manager has now confirmed reports doctors at the Grenoble hospital are trying to wake the great German from his month-long coma.

Earlier, Sabine Kehm dismissed the reports that Schumacher’s anaesthesia was being gradually reduced as "speculation".

But she said on Thursday that she only refused to comment then "For the protection of the family", because the news could only be confirmed "once this process (of awakening) was consolidated".

"Michael’s sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start of the waking up process which may take a long time," said Kehm.