Michael Schumacher suffers serious head injury

German Michael Schumacher has been hospitalised after suffering a serious head injury in a skiing accident in Meribel, France.

The retired seven-time Formula 1 champion suffered a head injury in a fall while skiing off-piste in the French Alps resort of Meribel on Sunday, an official said.

He has been taken by helicopter to hospital in Moutiers.

The German, 44, was wearing a helmet and was conscious while being transported to hospital, resort director, Christophe Gernigon-Lecomte said.

While suggesting that Schumacher was less seriously injured than initial reports had indicated, the director said the former driver had been transferred subsequently to a better-equipped medical unit in Grenoble for further examinations.

Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm was unable to give any further information about his condition but confirmed he was on a private ski trip and had not been alone.

"It seems that he has suffered a head trauma, but I would not say how serious it is. He was conscious but very agitated while being taken to hospital."

Schumacher won seven world championships and secured 91 race victories during a 19-year career in Formula 1.

The German retired from the sport in 2006 but returned in 2010 with Mercedes, only to retire again at 2012 after yielding a disappointing one-podium finish.