Michael Schumacher clinched a record-equalling fifth world Formula One title today with a dramatic last-gasp victory in the French Grand Prix.
The Ferrari ace snatched the honours four laps from the end of a gripping 72-lap battle at the 4.25km Magny Cours circuit after a blunder from race leader Kimi Raikkonen.
McLaren driver Raikkonen, who had driven an otherwise flawless race, lost control of his car at a corner and spun out allowing Schumacher to pass him to cruise home.
The only two men capable of catching Schumacher in the 2002 drivers championship - team-mate Rubens Barrichello and Williams driver Juan-Pablo Montoya - had already faded from contention.
That left the way clear for Schumacher to power home to his fifth title, equalling the feat of the legendary Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio.
The German 33-year-old weaved his Ferrari all over the track and punched the air in delight as he took the chequered flag as his team-mates in the pits celebrated.
Raikkonen finished second, with fellow McLaren driver David Coulthard in third. - AFP