Hundreds of fans have arrived at the hospital where Michael Schumacher is being treated to mark the former Formula 1 driver's 45th birthday.

The seven-time world champion has spent the last five nights in a medically-induced coma after sustaining a life-threatening head injury in a skiing accident.

Ferrari, with whom the German won five of his titles, said: "In these difficult days and on the occasion of his birthday, the Scuderia Ferrari Clubs want to show their support for Michael Schumacher by organising [Friday] a silent and respectful event all in red at the Grenoble University Hospital Centre."

Schumacher remains in a stable but critical condition.