Michael Schumacher has won the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours after anexciting tactical battle this afternoon.
He took the lead from his brother Ralf after the first set of pitstops. The Ferrari driver grew stronger as Ralf struggled on his second set of tyres, leavingMontoya to take over as Williams' best bet on the day. Indeed Montoya briefly led the race as Michael pitted. The Colombian looked good to take second place until his engine gave up on lap 52 leaving Ralf to take second.
Barrichello took third as David Coulthard picked up a stop/go penalty for pitlane speeding which ruined his chances of a podium finish. Hakkinen, in the other McLaren, had a problem with his engine at the start of the formation lap and failed to even start the race.
Jordan'sJarno Trulli had a good day, finally managing to get his car all the way home for a well-earned fifth place.Nick Heidfeld took the last of the points in his Sauber.
Eddie Irvine also had a good afternoon in his Jaguar and was threatening to take a points finish before his engine blew.Frentzen had another lack-lustre day losing position at the start and never looking convincing for the rest of the race.