Formula One Schumacher in hospital after ski accident

Formula One legend Michael Schumacher is receiving treatment in hospital for head injuries after a ski accident at Meribel on Sunday, officials at the French ski resort reported.

The seven time German world champion, who reportedly owns property at the resort, was skiing off-piste with other skiers when he sustained a knock to the head in a fall.

The 44-year-old was hospitalised at the nearby town of Moutiers, officials said, before being taken to hospital in Grenoble.

The extent of his injuries was unclear but according to Christophe Gernignon-Lecomte, director of the Meribel resort, he was not seriously injured.

Gernignon-Lecomte told Radio Monte Carlo Sport: "He was shocked, a little shaken but conscious.

"It may be a head injury but it is not very serious."

He added: "He was wearing a helmet and banged (his head) against a rock."

"The accident occurred around 1100 (1000GMT) between the slopes of Georges Mauduit and la Biche," the Meribel resort's press office disclosed.

Two medical officers attended Schumacher at the scene before he was airlifted by helicopter to hospital.

Schuamcher, who won the last of his world titles in 2004, retired from the sport he had towered over since making his debut in Belgium in 1991 after finishing seventh in the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix.