Resumè of last five races at Magny-Cours...

2005 (Fernando Alonso - Renault). Alonso's fifth win in 10 races and a dominant one, the Spaniard leading from pole position to chequered flag and lapping all but McLaren's second placed Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari's Michael Schumacher.

2004 (Michael Schumacher, Ferrari). Schumacher chalked up his ninth win in 10 races and seventh in France. Alonso started on pole but lost out with his three-stop strategy after Schumacher stopped four times. Barrichello passed Trulli at the last corner for third place.

2003 (Ralf Schumacher, Williams). Ralf led a Williams one-two for his second win in a row as people started talking about him as a title favourite. The race had few thrills and little overtaking.

2002 (Michael Schumacher, Ferrari). Michael Schumacher claimed his fifth world title with six races to spare.

McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen was heading for his first win until he skidded on oil with five laps to go.

2001 (Michael Schumacher, Ferrari). Michael Schumacher took his 50th career win and forced brother Ralf, who had secured the first pole of his career, to settle for second. Barrichello was third.

Magny-Cours has hosted the French GP since 1991. The nine-turn circuit has a smooth track surface and wide run-off areas but overtaking chances remain limited in dry conditions.

Race distance: 70 laps (308.586 km).

Lap record: M. Schumacher 1:15.377 (2004).