Michael Schumacher no longer in a coma and has left hospital: Report

Michael Schumacher is reportedly no longer in a coma and has been released from the hospital where he has been receiving treatment for the last 170 days.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion finally is able to see and hear after a skiing accident last December, according to his manager, Sabine Kehm.

Schumacher had sustained severe head injuries in the incident in the French Alps, and was subsequently put into an artificially-induced coma a few days later.

"Michael has left the CHU Grenoble to continue his long phase of rehabilitation. He is not in a coma anymore," said Kehm.

This is welcome news for Schumacher's family who offered their gratitude to all those who have played a part in his steady recovery over the past five and a half months.

"His family would like to explicitly thank all his treating doctors, nurses and therapists in Grenoble, as well as the first aiders at the place of the accident, who did an excellent job in those first months," added Sabine.

"The family also wishes to thank all the people who have sent Michael all the many good wishes. We are sure it helped him.

"For the future we ask for understanding his further rehabilitation will take place away from the public eye."

Encouraging news on Michael's condition this morning. We couldn't ask for a better start to the week. #KeepFightingMichael
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) June 16, 2014

Schumacher initially required surgery to remove a hematoma from his brain, but despite its success, the 45-year-old was forced to remain in a medically-induced coma.

Official reports  surrounding Schumacher's status have been sporatic and gloomy at best —  prompting negative stories regarding his health and future.

Prior to today the last update on Schumacher's condition had been in early April which stated he was showing of "moments of consciousness."

The silence in between had led to doubts as to whether the popular Schumacher would make a complete recovery.

There has also been no indication of where the racing driver has been taken since leaving the Grenoble hospital.

It was reported in April that his family was still planning to build a custom-made multi-million dollar mini-clinic to care for him, although not in the home he shares with wife Corinna, as previously reported, but in the house of his father Rolf.