Speaking from his hospital bed, Michael Schumacher said today that he might be out of action for as long as two to three months, but added: "I am lucky to be alive."

"I am thankful for the improvements made in the cars over the last few years because that is what has helped me escape with only a broken leg," said Schumacher, who had a temporary 30 cm metal plate inserted into the right leg. "I know I'm going to be out of action for two to three months and I realise that I have absolutely no chance of the championship this year. But I'm confident I'll be back driving a Ferrari in Formula One before the end of the season. I'm not depressed. I'm feeling positive and I'm looking forward even now."

Schumacher admitted he was scared when his car slid off and straight across the gravel trap at Silverstone yesterday. "It was a very scary moment because it was the first time it has ever happened to me. At first I could not get out of the car and I was worried about the situation," he said, but added: "I have seen videos of the accident two to three times now and it was not that dramatic"

Schumacher will spend another night at Northampton General Hospital, along with wife Corina, who joined him last night. Schumacher was also visited today by his friend, Jean Alesi, and his old rival Damon Hill.

Schumacher was also visited by Eddie Irvine, to whom Schumacher said that he should now mount the challenge of insuring Ferrari's first championship in 20 years. When asked about it later, Schumacher said: "My message to Eddie is - just go for it."