A doctor treating Michael Schumacher says the former Formula One champion was making progress, but will need years to recover.

French doctor Jean-Francois Payen also praised Schumacher's wife Corinna for the devotion she has shown to the racing driver since his devastating ski accident in December, in which he suffered life-threatening brain injuries.

Dr Payen treated Schumacher at the Grenoble hospital where he was taken after the accident.

"I have noticed some progress but I would say we will have to give him time," Dr Payen told RTL radio.

"It is like for other patients, we are in a time scale of one to three years, so you need patience."

After being in a coma for six months, Schumacher is now at his home at Gland in Switzerland.

Dr Payen said he still treats the 45-year-old at a hospital in Lausanne and at his home.

"It is to see how he progresses and then tell his wife and his children what changes I have observed," he said.

"He is in very favourable conditions. His wife is surrounded by excellent advice and has put everything needed in place so that he can advance."

Dr Payen added that Corinna Schumacher had played a key role in her husband's progress.

"It is someone very linked to Michael, but who has a lucidity and a desire to make him advance which is an extraordinary point," he said.

"For years she will do this same work. She is a very good person."

AFP