Michael Schumacher has 'blinked' and is 'responding to instructions' – reports

And on Thursday the newspaper revealed Schumacher had blinked during the first stage of brain tests.

The newspapers deputy editor Jrmie Arbona said the publication was 100 per cent sure that its story was correct.

The paper wrote: After gradually reducing the sedation of the patient, the team of Professor Emmanuel Gay [the medic overseeing Schumachers treatment] has been doing neurological tests since Monday. During this first stage, the patient blinked. Sky News quoted sources saying Schumacher was responding to instructions.

It is not known if the information from the two separate reports is linked and therefore whether Schumacher blinked on command.

But Professor Jean-Luc Truelle, the former head of the neurology department of the Foch hospital in Suresnes, told LEquipe that once the patient opens their eyes there would be a re-establishment of some kind of communication, which we verify through simple commands, such as open your eyes, shut your eyes, squeeze your hand".

"Schumacher appears to show this type of reawakening, wrote LEquipe.

The newspaper said it was undoubtedly the best news since his accident.

Earlier in the day, following intense media interest worldwide, Schumachers manager Sabine Kehm was forced to confirm that Schumacher was being brought round from his coma. She had initially responded to the reports by telling fans to treat all unofficial statements as speculation.

She said: Michaels sedation has recently been reduced to initiate a process of awakening which may take a long time.

To protect the family, initially it was clearly agreed between all parties only to disclose this medical information once this process was consolidated.

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Michael Schumacher has 'blinked' and is 'responding to instructions' - reports