Schumacher equals Fangio’s record with early coronation

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On this day in 2002, Michael Schumacher clinched his fifth F1 World Championship, equaling the outstanding record held by the great Juan Manuel Fangio.

It was an incredibly early coronation for the Ferrari driver who sealed the title at the 11th round of the championship - out of 17 races - by winning the French Grand Prix at Magny Cours.

It hadn't been an easy affair however, with Schumacher penalised with a drive-through for putting a wheel over the white line at the pit exit.

But the German battled his way back up to second before McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen ran wide on oil at the Adelaide hairpin five laps from the end and handed the victory to Schumacher.

It was a handful of difficult and nerve-racking laps thereafter for the Ferrari driver who raced to the checkered flag aware that a historic fifth crown lay ahead.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.