Fans to mark Schumacher's birthday

Michael Schumacher's 45th birthday on Friday will be observed by fans and well-wishers outside the French hospital where the seven-time Formula One champion remains in an induced coma after suffering serious head injuries in a skiing accident last weekend.

The Ferrari team, with whom Schumacher won a record five drivers' titles in a row between 2000 and 2004, have organised a 'silent march' in support of their former driver to be held outside the University Hospital of Grenoble.

The march is certain to be a sombre and poignant occasion although those present will hope the day will bring encouraging news on the German, who is in a critical but stable condition.

No update was given on Schumacher's condition by the hospital or his management on Thursday, which indicated that there had been no change, although his family did make their first statement since the accident in which they insisted the most successful driver in F1 history "will not give up" his fight for life.

"Following Michael's skiing accident, we would like to thank the people from all around the world who have expressed their sympathy and sent their best wishes for his recovery," the Schumacher family statement read.

"They are giving us great support. We all know he is a fighter and will not give up. Thank you."

Schumacher's family have remained at his bedside since the weekend.

The 91-time grand prix winner, who suffered major brain trauma in the accident which occurred when skiing off-piste in the resort of Meribel in France last Sunday, remains in an artificially-induced coma.

It is believed that his life was saved by his skiing helmet, which split on impact.

Schumacher was initially conscious before deteriorating into a critical condition.

Rescuers were on hand within minutes of the accident and he was airlifted to Grenoble hospital, where neurosurgeons have operated twice to remove blood clots on the brain and reduce swelling.

Doctors have said the impact caused numerous brain injuries including intracranial hematomas (multiple blood clots), bilateral lesions and bruising of the brain.

An initial operation carried out on Sunday to reduce swelling was followed by a second to remove the largest of a number of clots in his brain. Jacqueline Hubert, the Grenoble hospital's director general, said on Tuesday that his condition had started to improve.