Michael Schumacher is 'Crying at the Sound of his Children's Voices': Reports

Media reports say that Formula One star Michael Schumacher is crying at the sound of his children's voices after starting to recognise faces showing that he is 'alive and understands'.

The seven-time world champion, who is making a 'long, slow recovery' after a skiing accident, apparently sheds tears when he hears familiar sounds like the the voices of his wife Corinna, daughter Gina Maria and son Mick, according to an article in www.dailymail.co.uk.

This encouraging news comes after a year since his accident in the French Alps. Incidentally, his family prepare to mark his 46th birthday at their home in Gland, Switzerland.

A piece in the Italian newspaper Corriere della Serra stated that the fact that Schumacher is reacting with tears to his loved ones' voices, is 'valuable news'.

The racing star had severe head injuries while skiing with his family in the French Alps on December 29, 2013. He suffered brain damage and in a coma for six months.

In the past one year, his family have released little information on his condition.

Earlier former F1 driver Philippe Streiff told the French media that Schumacher 'has yet to recover the power of speech' but is 'nevertheless starting to recognise those close to him'.

Schumacher is said to be paralysed and in a wheelchair. He cannot speak and has memory problems, according to Streiff.

However, his manager Sabine Kehm has disputed the comments, saying he faces a 'long fight' for recovery, and that Streiff is not a family friend.

'We need a long time. It's going to be a long time and a hard fight,' Sabine Kehm said.