Michael Schumacher cruised to the 50th victory of his career in the French Grand Prix as David Coulthard's title hopes suffered another massive blow.

The German triumphed by just over ten seconds in his Ferrari to extend his lead over fourth-placed Coulthard to a massive 31 points with just seven races left.

Schumacher's younger brother Ralf finished second in the Grove-built Williams, with Rubens Barrichello making it a double podium celebration for Ferrari in front of the 120,000 crowd basking in the scorching sun.

The reigning champion could now equal Frenchman Alain Prost's all-time record of 51 wins at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone in two weeks' time.

Eddie Irvine saw a fine performance for Jaguar Racing end in disappointment when the car conked-out when he was lying seventh, while Jenson Button's race ended in a gravel trap just two laps from home while he was in 12th spot for Benetton.

Coulthard's hopes of picking up another podium placing were dashed after he suffered a ten-second stop-go penalty when his McLaren-Mercedes broke the speed limit in the pit-lane during his first stop.

Schumacher's triumph was his fourth in the last six races and sixth during the campaign which now looks certain with him celebrating a fourth drivers' crown.

Jarno Trulli took fifth place for Jordan, while Nick Heidfeld picked up another point with sixth place for Sauber.

Coulthard's penalty completed another disappointing weekend for McLaren after two-time former champion Mika Hakkinen stalled on the grid for the third time this season as they suffered more problems with the launch control system.

Ferrari's advantage over McLaren in the battle for the Constructors' Championship is now a massive 52 points.