Probe finds Schumacher tripped and fell

FORMULA 1 world champion Michael Schumacher was unable to control his skiing speed before smashing his head on a rock, investigators say.

The rocks between the slopes where former seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher injured his head during a ski ac...

FORMULA 1 world champion Michael Schumacher was unable to control and reduce his skiing speed moments before smashing his head on a rock just metres off a regular ski slope, French investigators have revealed.

But investigators also said that the ski area in Meribel was well sign posted, and rejected that the resort owners might be liable for any negligence.

They also said his rented skis were in perfect condition.

Schumacher continues his battle for life in a Grenoble hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

The seven-time world champion has been in a medically-induced coma since he fell on an off-piste section between two regular slopes in the ski resort of Meribel and slammed his head on a rock.

The chief prosecutor investigating the accident Patrick Quincy said Schumacher hit the rock about eight metres off the groomed slope. He said he then finished nine metres from the edge of the piste.

Mr Quincy said Schumacher was "obviously a very good skier" but had not been able to slow himself down in the rocky area of the slope where he fell.

Describing the sequence of events after the former F1 driver went off-piste, he said: "At one point his skis touch a rock, he loses balance and falls forward and his head hits a rock which is 3.5 metres below.

"The rock he hit is eight metres from the edge of the piste and Mr Schumacher on the ground, inanimate, is nine metres from the edge of the piste. That's the information we have with regard to the inquiry."

Early viewings of the helmet camera footage appear to confirm this sequence of events.

Mr Quincy said the area was correctly marked and they had been able to corroborate witness statements with footage from Schumacher's helmet camera.

The camera footage was "extremely legible''' Mr Quincy said.

"With regard to the inquiry itself, it's progressing well.

"We've had a number of hearings from the emergency services on the spot (and) people that rented the skis, witnesses.

"We had some analysis of the skis and the helmet. We also examined the film that was made on the camera that was fixed on Mr Schumacher's head."

Additional reporting: AFP