Schumacher era not over, says Trulli

"I don't think a champion expires from one day to another. And I don't think it was Michael's fault last year. I don't think Michael's era is over," the Italian driver told reporters in France at the weekend.

Seven-times World Champion Schumacher, 37 this month, finished third last year with only a hollow US Grand Prix victory to his credit.

"Michael has been a strong driver in the past and he is still a strong driver and he is still capable of doing great things.

"The fact that the young drivers are coming up does not mean anything," said Trulli, 31, at a pre-season event. "The old ones are still the best ones."

"Personally, I still believe Michael is still able to win races, to win championships. The matter is, can he have the right car at the right time?"

Spaniard Fernando Alonso became Formula One's youngest champion at the age of 24 for Renault last year, winning seven of the 19 races. McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen, 26, also won seven races and finished runner-up.

Schumacher's poor 2005 performance, and status as the sport's oldest active driver, has prompted speculation that he is likely to retire at the end of this year.

"Okay, Fernando and Kimi are strong drivers, but they also had the best car this year," said Trulli. "It's a question of putting a strong package together."