Wins takes Massa into outright lead

Motor Sport : Felipe Massa won his third race of the season, and with it took over the lead of the Formula One world championship…

Motor Sport: Felipe Massa won his third race of the season, and with it took over the lead of the Formula One world championship for the first time in his six-season career.

In taking the chequered flag in the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours, and on a momentous day for Massa, he also became the first Brazilian to top the drivers' standings since his hero in Ayrton Senna led the way 15 years ago.

Massa now leads an enthralling four-way title race by two points from BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica, and five from Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen who came home second at the Circuit de Nevers.

As for Lewis Hamilton, a drive-through penalty early on — after starting from 13th on the grid — wrecked his bid for points, with the 23-year-old finishing 10th, and he now trails Massa by 10 points.