Michael Schumacher is responding to treatment, claims former Ferrari president

Racing legend Michael Schumacher is responding to treatment, according to his former Ferrari boss.

Recent reports that the German sportsman's condition is deteriorating appear to be false, says ex Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezelmo.

He told Ecumenical News: "I'm very pleased to know that he is reacting.

"I know how strong he is. I'm sure that thanks to his determination; which will be crucial, he will come out from this very, very difficult situation."

Di Montezelmo, 68, was chairman during Schumacher's glory years at Ferrari, including when he won five consecutive world titles between 2000-04.

Schumacher, who was crowned Formula 1 world champion a total of seven times, suffered a devastating head injury while skiing in the French Alps in 2013.

He was airlifted to Grenoble Hospital where doctors performed two life-saving operations and placed him in a medically induced coma.

Earlier this year it was reported that Schumacher was crying at the sound of his children's voices after starting to recognise faces.

The news in January came just as his family prepared to mark his 46th birthday at their home in Gland, Switzerland, where he has been recovering since June, 2015.

The racing great's family, who are believed to be spending $205,000 a week on his treatment, recently put his Mercedes E55 AMG car up for sale for $180,000.

Schumacher's children have followed in his footsteps and also forged respective careers in sport.

His daughter Gina, 19, won an equestrian European Championship medal this month in Switzerland.

And Schumacher's son Mick, 17, is climbing up the motorsport ladder by winning Formula 4 races.