Motorsport: Schumacher wins French Grand Prix

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher has become the first driver to win the same Formula One Grand Prix eight times.

Schumacher's commanding victory, from pole position, in the French Grand Prix this morning has breathed new life into the championship.

The win on a sweltering afternoon at Magny-Cours has left the seven-time champion 17 points adrift of Renault's Fernando Alonso with seven races remaining.

Spaniard Alonso, the runaway winner in France last year on his way to becoming the sport's youngest world champion, finished second with the second Ferrari driven by Felipe Massa, third.

Schumacher says it was a perfect day and a brilliant result for the team with both Ferraris on the podium.

He says they had a good start and the whole package just worked superbly.

The win is Schumacher's 88th in his career and fourth of the season.

- NEWSTALK ZB