[Marc]

Former motor racing world champion Michael Schumacher has been seriously hurt in a skiing accident, according to reports in France.

French media organisation Europe 1 reported that he had been taken to a hospital with a head injury.

The accident reportedly happened while the 44-year-old was skiing in the French resort of Meribel in the popular Three Valleys ski area.

It is understood he was wearing a helmet and was taken to Grenoble Hospital by helicopter in a conscious state.

Christophe Gernignon-Lecomte, director general of Meribel ski resort, told radio station RMC: "For the moment I don't know the severity of the injury.

"The gendarmes are at the scene investigating how the accident happened.

"He was taken by helicopter to Grenoble Hospital. I don't know if it happened on piste or off piste."

The German owns a chalet in Meribel and is a keen skiier.

Schumacher retired from Formula 1 for a second time in December last year.

The German driver made a disappointing return to the sport after making his comeback in 2010, managing only one podium finish during his three years with Mercedes.