Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is slowly being brought out of an induced coma following last month's skiing accident, his manager has said.

Seven-times Formula One world champion Schumacher, 45, has spent the last month in the University of Grenoble hospital fighting for his life after sustaining brain injuries following a skiing accident in the resort of Meribel.

Concern was growing as to whether he would ever make a recovery, or even wake again, but manager Sabine Kehm has now provided official confirmation that steps are under way to bring him out of his coma following the accident on December 29.

A statement read: "Michael's sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start of the waking-up process, which may take a long time."