Jarno Trulli sees no reason why Michael Schumacher can't add an eighth World Championship to his trophy cabinet.
Schumacher is making his return to Formula One with Mercedes GP this season following three years away from the sport.
When asked if by Crash.net Radio if Schumacher can win another title, Trulli said: "Why not? Being 41 is not a problem; age is just a number. He's still in very good shape, and physically and mentally I don't think he's going to have any problems.
"I think the only trouble he will find is returning to racing after three years - it's not that easy to get back into the same rhythm in Formula 1. I think it will take him some races before he can really begin to attack again - but that is the only issue I can see him facing."
Trulli left the now defunct Toyota for Lotus at the end of last year. He admits it will be a difficult debut season for the team, but is confident they can build something special.
"We have to be realistic," he said. "It's going to be a tough season, and to begin with what we need to do is be reasonably competitive. Eventually, the target will probably be to show some good performances by the end of the year. As I say, it's a long-term project, and the first season is all about building up the team. Obviously, what Lotus is looking for is to be an established, strong Formula 1 team for the future.
"I am with Lotus for the next three years, because I want to build up something strong as I was doing at Toyota. If you look back at Toyota, we were very close to a win - and this is what I want to reproduce and eventually try to achieve [at Lotus]. If you look at Michael [Schumacher], everyone would have said Ferrari was his last project, so it's hard to say at the moment [what the future holds]. I think I will keep driving as long as I am quick, and for as long as I want to race and have the passion to do so."
