Ferrari fans hold silent vigil on Schumacher's 45th birthday

Fans and well-wishers hold a vigil for the former German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher at the Grenoble University Hospital Centre on January 3, 2014 in Grenoble, France. Schumacher remains in a stable but critical condition as he is treated for a severe head injury following a skiing accident last Sunday in Meribel,

Ferrari fans held a red vigil for Michael Schumacher outside the Grenoble hospital on his 45th birthday, as the seven-time F1 champion continues to battle for his life after suffering a serious head injury while skiing off-piste in the French Alps on Sunday.

The Italian F1 team’s spokesman Renato Bisignani said people were asked to be dressed in red and bring flags, as “a sign of closeness to Michael Schumacher, done in a very respectful way”. He assured that they will make sure Ferrari will not promote any of its brands or clients’ and added, “We will make sure we remain sensitive at this difficult time.” The club has come forward to arrange the transportation for its fans from Italy and France, according to BBC.

The fans held a one-minute silence outside the hospital premises at 13:00 local time (12:00 GMT).

Schumacher, the most successful racer in the history of Formula One, is currently spending his time at the French hospital in a medically induced coma after undergoing an operation to remove haematoma. While the German’s condition has been gradually improving, the doctors have made it clear that he is not out of danger yet. While it is very much possible for a person to spend a number of weeks in coma and completely recover from it, the doctors refused to give out a prognosis in the coming days.

Members of a Ferrari supporters club join fans and well-wishers as they hold a vigil for the former German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher at the Grenoble University Hospital Centre on January 3, 2014 in Grenoble, France.

Ferrari, the club with which he won 72 of his 91 F1 race victories in total, released a statement on his birthday eve saying: “This is a special day for Ferrari and all its fans, as it is Michael Schumacher’s birthday. At the moment, he is tackling the most important fight of his life and therefore we want to send him very special wishes.”

“There have so many wonderful moments we have spent together and we have chosen 72. It’s not a random number, as it represents the number of wins Michael achieved with the Scuderia from 1996 to 2006.

“72 Grands Prix that gave us and the millions of Prancing Horse fans from all over the world so much pleasure. These were unforgettable moments which, along with his passion, commitment and dedication makes Michael part of the great Ferrari family for ever.

“Everyone at Ferrari, from President Luca di Montezemolo and Team Principal Stefano Domenicali, who are in touch all the time with Michael’s family and those closest to him, are continuously watching how his situation evolves. Obviously, today there are double the reasons to wish him all the best.”