Eddie Jordan believes Michael Schumacher's shock return to Formula One will serve as "a big wake-up call" to Kimi Raikkonen.

The Finn has not been on the pace in his Ferrari since winning the 2007 world title, appearing disinterested and far from in love with the sport.

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Many believe this is Raikkonen's last season, despite the fact he has another year remaining on his contract, with Fernando Alonso to join Ferrari for 2010.

The 30-year-old has fuelled speculation further by the fact he is to compete in his debut World Rally Championship event in his home country this weekend.

But with Ferrari and Schumacher taking a gamble, with the 40-year-old answering the team's call to arms in the wake of Felipe Massa's absence, Jordan feels Raikkonen will suddenly be reinvigorated.

"Well done to Ferrari for making this happen, but especially well done to Michael Schumacher because he has nothing to gain out of this, and a lot to lose," remarked Jordan on BBC Radio Five Live.

Jordan, who gave Schumacher his F1 debut in 1991, added: "I've been massively critical of Raikkonen, and I think this is going to be the big wake-up call for him.

"You will see a new Raikkonen because he will not want to be disgraced by Michael Schumacher.

"In fact, it could rejuvenate the whole of the Ferrari team which has been a bit lacklustre this year.

"But the competitiveness of the car, and certainly of Schumacher, will drive that team forward."

Schumacher, though, will first have to undergo a rigorous training programme as he is understood to still be recovering from neck and back injuries sustained in a motorbike test in Spain in February.

Ferrari have confirmed Schumacher, who is currently a highly-paid advisor to the team, will partake in a specific training programme to get himself prepared for the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23.

Jordan feels even though Schumacher has not competitively driven since retiring from F1 at the end of the 2006 season, he will not have lost too much of his edge.

"Schumacher is absolutely hardcore," added Jordan.

"Whether 20 or 40, I'm not sure it will make a huge difference to his reactions.

"Perhaps he may be a milli-second away, but then he was a milli- second better than anyone else."

Schumacher, who won five of his seven world titles with Ferrari, 91 races overall and was 68 times on pole, is only too happy to come to his team's aid in their hour of need.

Schumacher said: "The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive, and I wish him all the best again.

"I met with (team principal) Stefano Domenicali and (president) Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.

"Though it is true the Formula One chapter has been closed for me for some time, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore this unfortunate situation.

"But as the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

Massa is now out of intensive care and off the critical list in the wake of life-saving surgery after his freak accident in qualifying on Saturday for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

It is uncertain as to when Massa will return, potentially not this season, which means Schumacher could partner Raikkonen for the final seven races of the year.

Although Schumacher tested last year's Ferrari, he has not driven this season's model, with Valencia hardly an ideal track for him on which to adapt.

However, with two of his favourite tracks after that in Spa in Belgium and Monza for the Italian Grand Prix - where he will be treated like a king - Schumacher may yet prove himself to still be a force.