Felipe Massa feels "very positive" about Michael Schumacher's condition following a recent visit to see the seven-time Formula One champion in hospital.

It is now approaching eight weeks since Schumacher was placed in an induced coma following a skiing accident in late December that led to the 45-year-old requiring two operations to remove blood clots from his brain.

Schumacher is currently in a "waking-up process", as described last week by manager Sabine Kehm when delivering the latest update on the German's condition.

Prior to this week's second pre-season test in Bahrain, Massa visited close friend Schumacher at the Grenoble hospital where the former Ferrari star has been recovering.

Speaking to reporters at the Sakhir circuit, Massa said: "I always try to be optimistic.

"I saw him, I talked to him, I told him everything I did in Jerez (at the first test) about my car, the new team (Williams), everything. I told him to wake up many times... I'm positive. We need to believe.

"It's always very difficult to say because I have zero experience about what the doctors say.

"But I saw him and was very happy to be together with him for a very long time, talking to him, trying to give the best energy and just help him.

"He's a very strong man, a very great man and I really hope he can wake up, and I really hope he can enjoy his life again."

Asked about Schumacher's condition at the time of his visit, Massa replied: "He was sleeping, and I was very positive because he was normal.

"He looks normal, and he also gave some reactions with the mouth and everything. So it's positive to look at him.

"I have no experience to say anything. I'm not a doctor. But when I saw him, for me, it looked very positive."

Online Editors