Former Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher has displayed "small, encouraging signs" of recovery, according to his agent.

The 45-year-old has been in a medically-induced coma in Grenoble University Hospital since suffering head injuries after hitting his head on a rock during a skiing trip in December.

The German's condition has been frequently speculated about in the media, but his representative Sabine Kehm released a statement last week insisting that Schumacher remained in the "wake-up phase".

However, in a written statement released on Wednesday, Kehm said: "We are and remain confident that Michael will pull through and will wake up.

"There sometimes are small, encouraging signs, but we also know that this is the time to be very patient."

Schumacher has undergone two operations on his brain since being admitted to hospital.