Alonso: Schumacher will bounce back

"I don't think so, Michael is always extremely fast," Alonso told Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if Schumacher was ready to retire. "He's a driver who, besides last Sunday, doesn't make too many mistakes.

"This year he started well in Bahrain; now he's suffering a bit, but on the tracks better suited to Bridgestone and Ferrari, he'll win often."

Schumacher and his Ferrari team showed promising form in the season-opening race in Bahrain, fighting for victory with Alonso.

In Malaysia and Australia, however, the German failed to fight at the top and in Melbourne he retired after crashing out when pushing too hard.

Seven-time champion Schumacher is the oldest driver on the grid at 37, but Alonso believes the German is still hungry for another title.

"Yes, because his motivation is intact," Alonso added. "On top of that, he is consistent and always gets points. He made a mistake on Sunday, but he had little grip. He's a driver who always brings out the best from his car."

Asked if he expected Schumacher to retire at the end of the season, Alonso said: "No, I think he'll carry on."

The Spaniard admitted he would welcome Schumacher to continue racing "because it's better to race against a great professional."