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

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