Former Formula One star Michael Scumacher is in a coma after hitting his head in a ski accident yesterday in the French resort of Meribel. Doctors have said that Schumacher's helmet protected him and had he not be wearing it he would have died as a result of the accident.

They said: "We believe that taking into consideration the very violent shock, his helmet did protect him to a certain extent.

"Someone who would have had this accident without a helmet, he would certainly have not got to here."

During a press conference this morning, the team of doctors went on to add, "His condition is considered to be extremely serious and he's in intensive care.

The Meribel ski resort where Michael Schumacher had a serious accident resulting in a head injury

"We're working altogether day and night by his bedside but it's far too early in terms of prognosis." Seven-time Formula One world champion Schumacher has had one operation, which removed clots on the brain, but remains in a "critical condition". Initial reports from French media had suggested his condition was not threatening but on following his transfer to a Grenoble hospital, a spokesman for the facility said “He suffered a head trauma with coma which required neurosurgical treatment. He remains in a critical condition.” UPDATE: This morning, it has been reported that there has been a slight improvement to Schumacher's condition. The former Formula 1 Champion underwent surgery just last night and his doctors are reporting a "slight improvement". His doctor is currently reporting that Schumacher remains in a critical condition. "A new brain scan was taken and there was a slight improvement,” the director general of the hospital at Grenoble has commented. "We were able to carry out a scan without any unnecessary risk - and it showed a few signs that he is relatively stable." Schumacher is currently under care of the medical staff in Grenoble in an induced coma. "We are still concerned and we are still worried. We can't tell ourselves that we have won.

"There are highs and lows and the situation is slightly better than yesterday but we must be realistic and the whole family is well aware of the situation and very sensitive to everything that is done."

The above is reported from a press conference by the Mirror.