Schuey in different league says former team boss

Barrichello, who had a four-year stint at Jordan before moving to Stewart and then Ferrari last year, finished second to Schumacher at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and was third in Malaysia two weeks ago.

"Rubens is probably our longest serving driver and I think it is very obvious at the moment that he is a serious contender," said Jordan. "But Michael is in a different league and Rubens is honest about that."

The Irish team boss, who gave Schumacher his F1 debut in 1991, believes the German's ability is a constant reminder of the level everyone else is trying to achieve.

He said: "It is very hard for any professional person, be it a driver, engineer or even a mechanic, to accept that we all have to raise our game if we are to beat Michael Schumacher. Make no mistake. You can all believe or think that something is better than it is, but when you are convinced of it every other weekend, it is different. The guy is sensational."

Jordan further praised the triple world champion by saying that despite his increasing success, Schumacher seems to blossom the more he wins races.

"Michael is a nicer, better person than he was before," said Jordan. "He is much more relaxed, and the more relaxed he gets the harder it is getting to beat him..."