Eddie Jordan has admitted he would be surprised if world champion Michael Schumacher stays in Formula One until the end of 2006.

Five-times champion Schumacher yesterday agreed a new two-year extension to his contract with Ferrari, keeping him on the Grand Prix circuit for another three seasons.

Jordan however believes Schumacher, who would be 37 when the new deal expires, may choose to retire before the contract runs its course.

The Jordan team boss told BBC Radio Five Live: "I'd be surprised if he sees 2006 in Formula One.

"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 gave Schumacher his first drive in Formula One before the German moved on to Benetton and won back-to-back world championships in 1994 and 1995. He then moved on to Ferrari and won the first of another three successive titles in 2000.

His decision to stay on is matched by Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt and four other members of the Maranello backroom staff, who have also signed new deals.

Technical director Ross Brawn, engine director Paolo Martinelli, chief designer Rory Byrne and head of engine design Gilles Simon have also committed themselves to the team.

Jordan believes this will have influenced Schumacher's thinking.

The Irishman added: "It is a surprise to me - but it's not just Michael, it is the whole team there that have made him so successful. 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."

Schumacher is aiming for a record sixth drivers' crown this season but new rule changes mean he is facing arguably his toughest campaign yet in a scarlet car.