Michael Schumacher won the French Grand Prix yesterday for a record eighth time.
The victory helps Schumacher close the gap on Alonso in the drivers' standings. Alonso now has 96 points and Schumacher 79.
"We clearly have made up ground and it is far from being over," Schumacher said.
PHOTO: EPA
It was Schumacher's 88th career victory.
The seven-time world champion became the first Formula One driver to win the same race eight times, and his win was another boost for a resurgent Ferrari. At the US Grand Prix two weeks ago, Schumacher led a 1-2 finish for his team.
In yesterday's race, Schumacher finished 10 seconds ahead of world champion Fernando Alonso. Felipe Massa, Schumacher's Ferrari teammate, was third.
Toyota's Ralf Schumacher was fourth -- 27.2 seconds behind his brother -- and McLaren-Mercedes' Kimi Raikkonen came fifth in the 70-lap race.
Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella was sixth, followed by Pedro de la Rosa of Spain, McLaren-Mercedes' replacement for Juan Pablo Montoya, who has left for NASCAR.
The French Grand Prix was also the last time France's only driver in Formula One will race for Japan's Super Aguri team.
Franck Montagny replaced Yuji Ide at the European Grand Prix in May.
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