MAGNY COURS, France, July 4 (UPI) -- Michael Schumacher out-thought his rivals Sunday to take his ninth win out of 10 Formula One races this season in the French Grand Prix.
Schumacher ran second behind pole-sitter Fernando Alonso's Renault for much of the race, but opted to make four pit stops to the three-stop strategy of the other teams.
"I wasn't really so optimistic going into the race," Schumacher said. "There was no risk of falling back, just the opportunity to go forward."
The Ferrari driver used his lighter fuel load to lap considerably faster than any of his rivals and by the time he needed his extra stop, the six-time world champion was safely clear of Alonso, who finished 8.3 seconds behind in second.
Sunday's result leaves Schumacher with a 22-point lead over teammate Rubens Barrichello of Brazil in the title race, with Britain's Jenson Button 42 points off the top.
