Michael Schumacher stable,but remains in critical condition

The 44-year-olds fight for survival after he fell and slammed his head on a rock Sunday has shocked legions of fans used to seeing him brave death on the racing tracks. At the moment,he is stable, the seven-time world champions manager Sabine Kehm told reporters massed outside the hospital in Grenoble on Wednesday,in a brief update before heading back inside.

Initially described as serious but not life-threatening after the accident in the upmarket resort of Meribel,Schumachers condition rapidly deteriorated and by Sunday evening,doctors said he was in critical condition and had undergone an emergency operation. On Tuesday,they said a slight improvement in his condition had allowed them to perform a second nearly two-hour long procedure to remove bleeding in the brain,but warned he was not out of danger yet. We cannot speculate on the future, said Jean-Francois Payen,head of the intensive care unit at the hospital. We cannot say he is out of danger but we have gained some time.

Doctors have so far ruled out any transfer from the hospital,which they say would be dangerous. But they have pointed out that Schumacher,due to turn 45 on January 3,has age and physical fitness on his side. He has been put in a medically induced coma to spur recovery,and his temperature has been reduced to around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) to reduce swelling.

Chain of events

It is as yet unclear exactly how the accident happened,but a source close to a probe into the incident told AFP that Schumachers helmet,which medics say saved his life,had been smashed in two by the impact. Kehm told journalists Tuesday that Schumacher was skiing with a small group of friends as well as his 14-year-old son Mick.

She said he was not skiing at high speed when the accident happened. He seems to have hit a rock as he took a turn. It was a chain of unfortunate circumstances. Kehm added that the accident could have happened anyime,even at 10 kilometres (six miles) per hour and took place during a normal turning manoeuvre.

Several people have tried to sneak through the hospital and approach the former racer,she said. There apparently was a person dressed up as a priest,who tried to get near Michael. I am asking everyone to let the doctors work and leave the family to spend peaceful time with Michael.

Asked whether the priest was a journalist,she said: Its what I was told… We have clearly noted that people are trying to get beyond the press room here in the clinic. Its revolting,in my opinion.afp