Jordan: Schumacher Likely to Retire Before 2006

Team boss Eddie Jordan believes that Michael Schumacher will not stay in Formula One until the end of his new contract with Ferrari in 2006.

Schumacher, who began his Formula One career with Jordan, ended speculation about his future on Monday when he agreed to a contract extension with World Champions Ferrari until the end of the 2006 season.

Five-time champion Schumacher will be 37 when the deal expires and Jordan said he would be surprised if the German is still competing in three years time.

"I'd be surprised if he sees 2006 in Formula One," Jordan told BBC Radio Five Live. "When drivers are that good it is usually they who decide when to stop, not the team. These guys have a great ability to know when to call it a day and retire with an aura of greatness around them. I think he'll be like that."

Jordan believes that Schumacher's decision to sign a new deal came as a result of sporting director Jean Todt, technical director Ross Brawn, engine guru Paolo Martinelli and chief designer Rory Byrne all committing their future to Ferrari.

"It is a surprise to me - but it's not just Michael, it is the whole team there that have made him so successful," Jordan added. "As far as I was aware all their contracts were linked to when Michael Schumacher's was due to end in 2004.

"I'm sure he would not have done it had the other senior personnel not done it as well. There is absolutely no chance that after spending all that time and amassing the best team that he would have done it without them."