'Come on Michael!' Sporting world echoes in support

The sporting world is in shock following the news that Michael Schumacher is in a coma after a skiing injury.

-Former F1 champion Schumacher 'critical' after skiing fall

The retired seven-time Formula One world champion Schumacher suffered a head injury in a fall while skiing off-piste in the French Alps resort of Meribel on Sunday.

The Formula One community, and the wider world of motorsport, reacted with shock and prayers on social network Twitter for the champion to win his biggest battle.

"Come on Michael, give us one of those race stints at pure qualifying pace to win through, like you used to. You can do it," said Schumacher's former Benetton teammate Martin Brundle.

Reigning Formula One world champion with Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel tweeted, “This is a very sad night. Michael, this is the most important GP of your life and you are going to win.”

Jenson Button, the McLaren Mercedes driver and 2009 F1 World Champion said, “My thoughts are with Michael Schumacher at this tough time. Michael, more than anyone has the strength to pull through this.”

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo also tweeted, “Get well soon Michael Schumacher, wish you the best.”

Arsenal and Germany forward Lukas Podolski said: "Bad news from Switzerland: please get well soon, Michael Schumacher. All the best for you, my friend!"

Tennis ace Sabine Lisicki tweeted: "Uhh, just heard about the terrible accident of Michael Schumacher... Get well soon!!"

"If anyone can pull through, it's him," said Britain's triple Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, who is still walking on crutches after a huge crash in October that ended his racing career.

Former Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa, who suffered a near fatal head injury at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, said he was praying for his friend.