Ferrari fans held a vigil for Michael Schumacher on his 45th birthday yesterday, gathering outside the French hospital where the seven times world champion continued to fight for his life after a skiing accident.

Schumacher’s family thanked the fans in a statement saying they were moved to tears while French media reported that investigators were studying a camera the German had on him at the time of the accident.

A few dozen fans had assembled outside the Grenoble hospital where Schumacher has been having treatment since Sunday’s accident in the resort town of Meribel, in which he hit his head on a rock when he fell while skiing off piste.

“For us Ferrari fans, we are just like brothers,” said one fan, Carlo Buschini, who raised his cap and blew kisses in the direction of Schumacher’s hospital room.

“We are here to celebrate and to celebrate his battle for life,” said Buschini, speaking in Italian.

Supporters of the Scuderia Ferrari Club wore their team’s red colours and carried a banner reading “Schumi, All our thoughts for you and your family.”

errari said Schumacher was “tackling the most important fight of his life” and sent him “double wishes” for his birthday.

Schumacher’s family said in a statement, “the incredible sympathy shown today... has utterly overwhelmed us and moved us all to tears. We are deeply grateful for it and also for all the heart-warming and heartfelt wishes for Michael to get well soon, which have reached us from all over the world.”

France’s BFM TV channel reported that his family had given investigators a mini camera Schumacher had apparently attached to his helmet.

Investigators also interviewed his son who was with Schumacher at the time of the accident.