David Coulthard's victory at the 2000 French Grand Prix cut Michael Schumacher's championship lead to 12 points, tightening the title race with eight rounds remaining.
Key Facts
- Race winner
- David Coulthard (McLaren)
- Laps completed
- 72
- Attendance
- 112,112 spectators
- Championship round
- 9th of 2000 Formula One World Championship
- Coulthard's F1 win number
- 8th career win
- Points gap after race
- Schumacher led by 12 points
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Michael Schumacher entered the race leading the World Drivers' Championship from pole position, with Ferrari also leading the Constructors' Championship. During the second stint, Schumacher began suffering significant tyre wear, which eroded his advantage over second-placed David Coulthard and left him vulnerable to being overtaken.
Held on 2 July 2000 at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, the 72-lap race saw Coulthard pass Schumacher on lap 40 after exploiting the latter's tyre degradation. Schumacher retired on lap 59 with engine failure, promoting Häkkinen to second. Barrichello finished third and Villeneuve fourth, delivering McLaren a one-two result.
Coulthard's win, his third of the season, reduced Schumacher's Drivers' Championship lead to 12 points. McLaren's one-two closed the Constructors' Championship gap to Ferrari to just six points. The result significantly tightened both championships with eight races still to run in the 2000 season.