F1 world and fans await news on Schumacher's condition after skiing accident

[Updated] Michael Schumacher is in hospital in Grenoble undergoing tests this evening, following a skiing accident in Meribel this morning.

There have been conflicting reports of his condition, with initial reports that it was serious, then comments from the director of the resort and indications from Mercedes that it was not as serious as first reported by French media.

However, according to sources in Italy and France, close to this site, "the injury is serious, but not life threatening."

He was skiing off piste with friends, when he crashed, hitting his head on a rock. He was wearing a helmet but suffered a head injury. He was treated at the scene, then taken to the local Moutiers hospital, from where he was then transferred to the larger Grenoble hospital by helicopter.

Schumacher will receive the attention of Professor Gerard Saillant, a close ally and friend of Schumacher and his former Ferrari team boss Jean Todt. Saillant is an expert in brain and spine injury. He oversaw Schumacher's treatment following his broken leg at the 1999 British Grand Prix.

A statement from Schumacher's right hand woman Sabine Kehm issued early this afternoon made no attempt to clarify his condition and simply said,

"Michael suffered a head injury in a private ski trip in the French Alps. He was taken to hospital and is receiving professional medical care. We ask for understanding that we can not give continuous information about his health. He was wearing a helmet and was not alone.

"NB - For his fall, no other person was involved."

In February 2009 Schumacher suffered a head and neck injury when he crashed a racing motorcycle. He tried to fill in for Felipe Massa in the Ferrari in August that year but was unable to do so. At the time he said,

"The consequences of the injuries caused by the bike-accident in February, fractures in the area of head and neck, unfortunately have turned out to be still too severe.

"That is why my neck cannot stand the extreme stresses caused by Formula 1 yet."