Watch: Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher takes final hat trick of his career | 2006 French GP. The scene of yet another record breaking milestone for Michael.

On 16th July 2006, the French Grand Prix was held at Magny-Cours. Pole position went to Michael Schumacher who set a time of 1.15.493 in the 248 F1, beating team-mate Felipe Massa by just 17 thousandths. Championship leader Fernando Alonso was third in the Renault.

In the race, the German had a smooth time, and had no problem realising his aim of making up a big number of points on Alonso, because Felipe seemed solidly ensconced in second place. The Brazilian was on a three stop strategy and made it impossible for the Spaniard to pass. The Renault crew thus gave up on a one stop and managed to get the better of Massa to take the runner up spot thanks to a great middle stint from Fernando. Michael Schumacher won the race, his twenty second and the final ‘hat trick’ – pole, the win and fastest race lap – of his career, while it was win number 187 for Ferrari.

This race was a scene of yet another record breaking milestone for Michael Schumacher, who became the first driver in F1 history to win the same Grand Prix on eight different occasions (having previously won the French Grand Prix in 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002 and 2004).

— see video above —