Michael Schumacher’s family has released a fresh statement ahead of the German’s 50th birthday regarding the launch of his official app while seeking privacy for his health.

Its been five years since Schumacher had the skiing incident which has sidelined the celebrated champion from the daily life. The German is at his home under the care of his family and friends as fans continue to pray for his recovery.

The seven-time F1 champion has his 50th birthday on Thursday i.e January 3, 2019, which the family intends to celebrate with the launch of ‘The Official Michael Schumacher App’, created by the Keep Fighting Foundation.

The app will carry all the moments from Schumacher’s career as seen in the Michael Schumacher Private Collection exhibition in Cologne. It will be available in both iOS and Android versions in the respective app stores from January 3.

The app will offer racing cars in 3D and their engine sounds. It also carries an interview recorded in 2013 and a virtual tour both through the exhibition Michael Schumacher Private Collection and the kart track in Kerpen-Manheim, where Schumacher trained himself.

In addition, a new Schumoji App will be launched on Thursday as well which will have the Schumojis of not only Michael but his son Mick as well – the proceeds will go entirely to the Keep Fighting Foundation.

The family released a statement regarding the launch while reiterating the wish for privacy amid fresh rumours of his condition. They stress that Schumacher is in the ‘very best of hands’ and they are doing all what is humanly possible to treat him.

“We are very happy to celebrate Michael’s 50th birthday tomorrow together with you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts that we can do this together,” the statement from the family reads.

“As a gift to him, you and us, Keep Fighting Foundation has created a virtual museum. The Official Michael Schumacher App will be released tomorrow, so that we can review all together Michael’s successes.

“The app is another milestone in our effort to do justice to him and you, his fans, by celebrating his accomplishments. We wish you a lot of fun with it. Michael can be proud of what he has achieved, and so are we!

“That’s why we remember his successes with the Michael Schumacher Private Collection exhibition in Cologne, by publishing memories in social media and by continuing his charitable work through the Keep Fighting Foundation.

“We want to remember and celebrate his victories, his records and his jubilation. You can be sure that he is in the very best of hands and that we are doing everything humanly possible to help him.

“Please understand if we are following Michael’s wishes and keeping such a sensitive subject as health, as it has always been, in privacy. At the same time we say thank you very much for your friendship and wish you a healthy and happy year 2019.”

Along with the app from his foundation, the Ferrari Museum in Maranello will also hold a special exhibition dedicated to Schumacher. It is said to be a celebration and also a sign of gratitude to the most successful driver in F1’s history.