The French Grand Prix follows on the weekend immediately after the European round, leaving a week between Magny-Cours and Silverstone for testing.

BBC: New McLaren 'may not race this year'

But the team principal's pleasure at Schumacher's transformation from woodentop to winner after the Nurburgring and Magny-Cours did not disguise the force of the team's earlier frustration.

BBC: Younger Schumacher moves up a gear

McLaren have had only limited time to test the car and with a busy fortnight approaching they will not get time to put it through its paces until after the trip to Magny-Cours.

BBC: McLaren target Silverstone

Renault found themselves outclassed by Ferrari and their Bridgestone tyres on a tough Magny-Cours circuit but Alonso saw his championship lead cut by just two points after making the most of Massa's third stop to claim second place.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | Formula One | Eighth French win for Schumacher