MAGNY-COURSE, France, July 21 (UPI) -- Michael Schumacher of Germany clinched a record-tying fifth Formula One world championship Sunday by taking the checkered flag at the French Grand Prix.
The Ferrari driver secured his third straight title in a record time with six grand prixs to spare in the 2002 season. He equalled former Ferrari driver Juan Manuel Fangio of Argentina with five championships.
Schumacher also won two titles with the Italian team Benetton in 1994-95. Fangio captured his first title in 1951 with Alfa Romeo and four in a row from 1954-57 with four other teams, including Ferrari.
A mistake by first-year McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen of Finland in the closing laps handed Schumacher his eighth victory of the year and 61st of his career. Raikkonen appeared headed for the checkered flag but a wide maneuver on lap 68 which cost him the lead and race.
Raikkonen finished a career-best second, followed by teammate David Coulthard of Scotland. Williams BMW drivers Juan Montoya of Colombia and Ralf Schumacher of Germany completed the points-paying positions.
