Michael Schumacher’s friends are extremely hopeful they’ll see him as they once knew him, says F1 pal Ross Brawn
The seven-time German world champion was badly injured after hitting his head on a rock while skiing in 2013
ROSS Brawn says he is "extremely hopeful" the world will one day see F1 legend Michael Schumacher "as we knew him".
Schuey's former boss at Ferrari was speaking out for the second time this month about the German's condition.
A horrific ski accident in late 2013 saw Schumacher badly hurt after hitting his head on a rock.
He was later placed in a coma and, after a touch-and-go fight for life, his condition has remained secretive.
But after saying he had seen "encouraging signs" from the 47-year-old earlier this month, Englishman Brawn toned down his words.
He told the : "We go see him and hope and pray that one day he will make a recovery.
"I was quoted as saying he’s improving and it was not what I really meant.
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"The family are conducting his convalescence in private and I need to respect that.
"So I don’t want to comment on his condition beyond saying we’re extremely hopeful we’ll see Michael as we knew him at some point in the future.”
The ex-Ferrari technical director, who worked with the champion driver on all seven of his world titles, earlier this month told the : “The family have chosen to conduct Michael's convalescence in private and I must respect that.
“There are encouraging signs and we are all praying every day that we see more of them.
“So it is difficult for me to say very much and respect the family's privacy. All I would say is there is a lot of speculation about Michael's condition.
“Most of it's wrong and we just pray and hope every day that we continue to see some progress and that one day we can see Michael out and about and recovered from his terrible injuries.”
Schumacher's fans were previously given a glimmer of hope after German magazine Bunte claimed he was able to walk again.
But after taking the publication to court over the claims, the former F1 ace's lawyer Felix Damm explained insisted: "He cannot walk."
Schumacher, 47, suffered horrific injuries after hitting his head on a rock while skiing with wife Corinna and their two children in Switzerland nearly three years ago.
He spent six months battling for his life while in a medically-induced coma.
Information on his condition has been sparse since he was moved to a special medical facility at the family's home on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Bunte's report alleged the seven-time world champion was on the road to recovery.
An unnamed friend told the magazine: "Michael is very thin. But he can once again walk a little with the help of his therapists.
"He manages to make a couple of steps. And he can also raise an arm."
Schumacher's team were then forced to deny the rumours, with his manager Sabine Kehm calling the story "irresponsible".
She said: "Unfortunately, we are forced by a recent press report to clarify that the assertion that Michael could move again is not true.
"Such speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important for Michael.
"Unfortunately they also give false hopes to many involved people."
Kehm added she hoped he would "one day be back with us".
And Damm's testimony added that Schumacher could not stand even with the help of carers.
A decision is due on the case next month.
Schumacher is given round-the-clock care by a team of doctors with estimates putting the costs at more than £115,000-a-week.
A friend claimed earlier this year it would take a "miracle" for him to return to public life.
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