Michael Schumacher spends 45th birthday in coma

    
Dozens of fans gathered Friday outside the French hospital treating former racing driver Michael Schumacher, keen to show their support as he marks his 45th birthday in a coma.

Schumacher suffered severe head trauma in a skiing accident in the French Alps on Sunday.

Since then, he has undergone two operations and is said to be in stable but critical condition at the hospital in Grenoble city.

Scuderia Ferrari, the racing team division of the Italian car maker, urged fans to join the vigil outside his hospital via its Facebook page.

People should dress in red and it will be “a silent and respectful event,” the page said.

A French woman taking part in the vigil told CNN, “It’s important to show support to Schumacher on his birthday and especially when he needs us most.”

An Italian Ferrari fan, using the driver’s nickname, said, “I’ve watched Schumi since I was a little boy and it means a lot to be here today.”

The family of Michael Schumacher and car maker Ferrari both praised his fighting spirit as he battles to overcome his injures.