RACE RESULT 1 M Schumacher (Ferrari) 2 F Alonso (Renault) 3 R Barrichello (Ferrari) 4 J Trulli (Renault) 5 J Button (BAR) 6 D Coulthard (McLaren) 7 K Raikkonen (McLaren) 8 JP Montoya (Williams) Race result in full Race report Pictures from Magny-Cours

Trulli had held third place throughout the race, but the Ferrari slipped through at the penultimate corner.

Renault engineering director Pat Symonds said: "I simply can't believe something like that. It looked like he left the door completely open.

"It's unbelievable. I shall be talking to him to find out what happened."

The French Grand Prix is of huge importance to Renault as it is their home track.

With Fernando Alonso finishing runner-up to Michael Schumacher, Trulli's error meant Renault lost the opportunity to fill two of three podium places at Magny-Cours.

I defended against Rubens as much as possible - I tried to close the door but couldn't Jarno Trulli Alonso settles for second

The Italian said: "I am gutted for myself and the team to have lost third place at the very end of the race.

"I made a fantastic start to get in front of Button and Coulthard, and the car seemed pretty competitive; even so, I couldn't keep up with Fernando because the car was quite nervous to drive.

"The race was going to plan until the last stint, when the car had less traction and was oversteering a lot.

"I defended against Rubens as much as possible, but on the last lap, he was quicker on the exit of turn 13 and passed me under braking for the next corner - I tried to close the door, but couldn't.

"At the moment, all I feel is disappointment, but I will have to get over it and come back stronger at the next races."