Williams Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa has revealed that Michael Schumacher showed "reactions" when he visited the seven-time champion in hospital.

Massa's ex-Ferrari teammate has been in Grenoble University Hospital since he hit his head on a rock while skiing off-piste in the French Alps on December 29.

Three weeks ago, doctors revealed that they would be bringing the former sportsman out of a medically-induced coma, but reports have emerged claiming that plans were put on hold last week following setbacks.

"He was sleeping and I was very positive because he was normal," The Mirror quotes Massa as saying. "He also gave some reactions with the mouth and everything.

"It looked very positive. We need to believe. He's a very strong man, a great man and I really hope he can wake up and enjoy life again.

"I was happy to be with him for a long time. I told him everything - about my car, my new team. I told him to wake up many times."

Massa visited Schumacher before travelling to Bahrain for pre-season testing.