Michael Schumacher's wife, brother and father have arrived at his hospital in Grenoble, France, on his 45th birthday.
The seven-time Formula One champion remains in an induced coma after suffering serious head injuries in a skiing accident last weekend.
Fans of Schumacher will observe a silent vigil on Friday to mark his birthday, and the Ferrari team, with whom Schumacher won a record five drivers' titles in a row between 2000 and 2004, have organised a 'silent march' in support of their former driver.
Schumacher family arrive at hospital
The march is certain to be a sombre and poignant occasion although those present will hope the day will bring encouraging news on the German, who is in a critical but stable condition.
Michael Schumacher Skiing Accident: Fans To Mark F1 Legend's 45th Birthday
No update was given on Schumacher's condition by the hospital or his management on Thursday, which indicated that there had been no change, although his family did make their first statement since the accident in which they insisted the most successful driver in F1 history "will not give up" his fight for life.