Magny-Cours, France (My Sportsbook) - When Formula One was last at Magny- Cours, Fernando Alonso was in perfect form. He won the pole and dominated the race. Not once, even during his three pit stops, did he yield the lead. In fact, he lapped the entire field up to third place Michael Schumacher.

After the race, Alonso, on the way to his first World Championship, was ahead of Kimi Raikkonen by 24 points and Schumacher by 29 points.

"It was a fantastic race last year, one of the best for me," said Alonso. "McLaren were really strong during that part of the season and we won the French Grand Prix because we deserved it. It was a perfect race, with a fantastic atmosphere. The crowd was excited, and I was too. I was very proud to win that race."

Turn the clock ahead almost one year and Alonso's lead entering this weekend in 19 points over Schumacher and 45 over his Renault teammate Giancarlo Fisichella.

This despite Schumacher's second straight United States Grand Prix victory.

While his win in 2005 was marred by the failure of 14 cars to get to the starting grid due to a tire dispute, the 2006 win was a workman-like effort.

The victory was Schumacher's third of the season and record 87th of his F1 career. It appeared that Schumacher was the fastest all weekend as Michelin brought a conservative tire for use by their team. Schumacher started on the pole and won by a solid 7.984 seconds over his Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa.

"Nineteen points can be bridged and I am convinced of this," said Schumacher.

However, at the Circuit de Nevers, Schumacher will have his work cut out for him.

"There are a few high speed corners there, and you need good traction," Alonso said of the French circuit. "Both of those things are characteristics of the R26, so it will be a good circuit for us and for Michelin too I think."

One driver who will not win at Magny-Cours is Juan Montoya. That is because the team released him after he announced that he would sign with Chip Ganassi's Nextel Cup team for 2007.

McLaren quickly determined that he should not drive the remainder of the season and installed test driver Pedro de la Rosa in the No.4 McLaren.

Frenchman Franck Montagny will be behind the wheel of the No.23 Super Aguri for his home race but is expected to yield the seat to Sakon Yamamoto before the race in Hockenheim, Germany.