Schumacher concedes title challenge over

Michael Schumacher has admitted his world championship is over, but believes he is lucky to be alive after crashing out of the British Grand Prix on Sunday

'I know I'm going to be out of action for two to three months and I realise I have absolutely no chance of the championship this year.

'But I'm confident I'll be back in a Ferrari before the end of the season.

Schumacher watched a video of Sunday's accident from his hospital bed in Northampton General.

'It [the accident] looks a lot worse from behind the steering wheel,' he said afterwards.

'The really scary part was when I found I was trapped in the car for almost four minutes.

'It was the first time that has ever happened to be in Formula One. It was very unpleasant. I'm lucky to be alive.'

Schumacher has been joined by his wife Corinna, and hopes to return home to Switzerland today.

He claimed safety measures made to Formula One cars over recent years helped save his life.

'I am thankful for the improvements made in the car over the last few years because that is what has helped me escape with only a broken leg.'

Ferrari is expected to announce Schumacher's replacement today.