Michael Schumacher's wife Corinna appeals for privacy

Mrs Schumacher said she would be releasing no further statements

The wife of retired Formula 1 star Michael Schumacher has appealed for privacy and for reporters to leave the clinic where he is being treated.

He has been in a medically induced coma for the past eight days following a skiing accident in the French Alps.

Corinna Schumacher called on the media to "let the doctors work in peace".

Local media in France report that footage from a camera attached to Schumacher's helmet is to be used by French investigators.

According to the Dauphine Libere newspaper, the images may help investigators piece together details about the accident, such as the speed he was skiing at and whether signs on or near the piste were visible.

Asking for support in "our joint fight alongside Michael", Mrs Schumacher said: "It is important to me that the doctors and the hospital be left in peace to work - please trust their statements and leave the clinic."

She also called on reporters to "please leave our family in peace".

There has been considerable media speculation over Schumacher's condition in recent days.

The hospital treating Schumacher for head injuries in the French city of Grenoble says his condition remains stable but critical.

Prosecutors investigating the accident plan to give details of their probe on Wednesday.

Schumacher won seven world championships and secured 91 race victories during his 19-year career.

He won two titles with Benetton, in 1994 and 1995, before switching to Ferrari in 1996 and going on to win five straight titles from 2000.