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.
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.
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.
Since many cruise lines stay late in this region, you can return to the Cours Saleya at night when the stalls make way for chairs and tables from the bistros that flank the market, transforming the spot into a row of al fresco restaurants.