Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher swept to a sensational victory at a rain-soaked Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday to seize the Formula One championship lead by the slimmest of margins.

The seven-times world champion pulled level with Renault’s Fernando Alonso on points, 116-116, but is ahead 7-6 on race victories.

With just two races remaining, Schumacher edged closer than ever to a record eighth title with a performance in difficult conditions that showed his genius remains undiminished despite his decision to retire at the end of the season.

Starting sixth on the grid, he roared into the lead 15 laps from the finish to take the checkered flag 3.1 seconds clear of his Spanish rival.

“I went into the race today with the motto of ‘damage limitation’. That I was able to get the victory makes it all the more beautiful,” said Schumacher.

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella was third, allowing Renault to retake the lead in the constructors’ championship by a single point after Ferrari’s Brazilian Felipe Massa collided with Briton David Coulthard and failed to finish.

Briton Jenson Button was fourth for Honda, ahead of McLaren’s Pedro de la Rosa, after last lap chaos behind the leaders.

Honda’s Rubens Barrichello was sixth and Nick Heidfeld seventh for BMW Sauber. The German, who started the last lap in fourth place, complained bitterly that the Brazilian had crashed into him.

Australian Mark Webber ended Williams’ dismal run of 10 races without a point by finishing eighth.

Yahoo

P. No Driver Team - Engine Tyres Gaps/Laps Average Stops

1. 5 M.SCHUMACHER Ferrari B 1h37′32″747
2. 1 ALONSO Renault M + 0′03″121
3. 2 FISICHELLA Renault M + 0′44″197
4. 12 BUTTON Honda M + 1′12″056
5. 4 DE LA ROSA McLaren Mercedes M + 1′17″137
6. 11 BARRICHELLO Honda M + 1′19″131
7. 16 HEIDFELD BMW Sauber M + 1′31″979
8. 9 WEBBER Williams Cosworth B + 1′43″588
9. 14 COULTHARD RedBull Ferrari M + 1′43″796
10. 20 LIUZZI Toro Rosso Cosw. M 1 lap(s)
11. 10 ROSBERG Williams Cosworth B 1 lap(s)
12. 15 DOORNBOS RedBull Ferrari M 1 lap(s)
13. 17 KUBICA BMW Sauber M 1 lap(s)
14. 21 SPEED Toro Rosso Cosw. M 1 lap(s)
15. 19 ALBERS Midland Toyota B 3 lap(s)
16. 23 YAMAMOTO S. Aguri F1 Honda B 4 lap(s)
17. 7 R.SCHUMACHER Toyota B 7 lap(s)
18. 6 MASSA Ferrari B 12 lap(s)
19. 8 TRULLI Toyota B 18 lap(s)
20. 18 MONTEIRO Midland Toyota B 19 lap(s)
21. 3 RAIKKONEN McLaren Mercedes M 38 lap(s)
22. 22 SATO S. Aguri F1 Honda B 57 lap(s)