Schumacher family thanks fans for support

Michael Schumacher's family have issued a statement thanking fans for their "great support" since news of the Formula 1 legend's head injury broke.

The seven-time F1 champion is in a critical but stable condition in a French hospital following a skiing accident on Sunday, and his relatives have moved to assure the public that he is "a fighter".

"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. They are giving us great support," reads the statement.

"We all know he is a fighter and will not give up. Thank You."

The 44-year-old has undergone two brain operations and has been placed in a medically-induced coma since sustaining the injury, spending four nights in intensive care.