Brawn: We’re optimistic about finding solutions in future and there will be a time when things move forward for Michael

NEW HOPE FOR SEVEN-TIME WORLD CHAMP INJURED IN SKIING ACCIDENT

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S friend and former boss Ross Brawn has revealed there are hopes that a “solution in the future” will be found for the Formula One legend’s health.

It has been five years since the seven-time world champion suffered a traumatic brain injury from a skiing accident, with his health still largely a mystery as his close circle of family and friends maintain his privacy.

But fans have been offered hope by Brawn, who is one of a select few close friends who have visited Schumacher and insists his team believe progress could be made soon.

He said: “Michael was always a very private person. He kept his racing career and his private life separate. His family has decided that is the way they want it to continue and we have to respect that.

“They are a terrific family, very well balanced, they’re following their own pursuits as well as supporting Michael.

“We’ve seen Mick, his son, establishing himself in motor racing, and Gina Maria, his daughter, is quite involved in a form of equestrian, she’s been very successful with that.

“For Corinna (with Schumacher, right), Michael’s wife, that’s helped her through such a tough time. The family have never relented with their support for Michael and their belief there will be solutions ahead. It’s very difficult, for the privacy that the family wants, and I have to respect that, and the visits were very moving in the early days. We’re all optimistic about finding solutions in the future and there will be a time when things move forward for Michael. But I can’t elaborate, no, I’m sorry.

“He had such terrific history with Ferrari, he was part of the Ferrari revival, without Michael that wouldn’t have happened, there’s a terrific display of his championship cars now, it’s quite moving.

“He is so embedded in the history of Ferrari, more so than any driver in their history.

“He was intrinsic to their success. He wasn’t just the driver, he embedded himself in the community. He was probably the greatest influence on Ferrari’s success in their history.”

Brawn is also monitoring the career of Schumacher’s son, Mick, and believes he could be on the verge of a breakthrough.

He told BBC 5 Live: “I’ve seen him at the races a few times, to test the atmosphere, he’s a terrific lad, he’s going to have a lot of exposure. He’s doing Formula Two, which is fantastic for the sport.

“I think he’ll be well tested this coming season. He’s a lovely guy. Considering the pressures he’s had on him and the legacy he’s had, he’s managed it very well.”

Corinna issued a rare statement on Schumacher’s health on the eve of his 50th birthday last week.

She told fans that the family are doing “everything humanly possible” to help the German star.

“We are very happy to celebrate Michael’s 50th birthday tomorrow together with you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts that we can do this together,” she said.