Michael Schumacher’s family say they been “utterly overwhelmed” and moved to tears by the birthday vigil held by scores of fans and well-wishers outside the French hospital where he is being treated for serious head injuries following a skiing accident last weekend.

Michael Schumacher’s 45th birthday has been observed by hundreds of Ferrari fans outside the hospital where the German remains in an artificially-induced coma following a skiing accident at the weekend.

Michael Schumacher's 45th birthday on Friday will be observed by fans outside the French hospital where the driver remains in an induced coma.

Michael Schumacher’s condition has improved slightly according to the doctors treating his serious head injuries at a French hospital.