Race Summary
At the start, Michael Schumacher led away from pole with Frentzen in the Williams behind him all the way. It was a bad start for Damon Hill, who lost his wing at the first corner after going off and didn't feature much after that.
Not too much happened in the race until towards the end, when rain hit, causing some drivers to spin off. Even Michael Schumacher had an off but managed to continue and maintained his big lead, but he did not pit for wet tyres.
In the end, Michael crossed the line well ahead of Frentzen but on the last couple of laps a huge battle was going on between Ralf Schumacher, David Coulthard and Jean Alesi. At the same time Jacques Villeneuve was reeling in Eddie Irvine for the final podium spot.
Ralf Schumacher spun, seemingly throwing away sixth place, but as mentioned in the notes, Michael Schumacher (who had lapped him), allowed him back through at the final corner. At the time, Murray Walker famously said that it was a silly move. It allowed Ralf Schumacher to gain back sixth place on the final lap.
On the last lap Alesi pushed Coulthard straight off, costing David fifth place, thus giving Ralf Schumacher the final point.
Meanwhile, at the last corner, Villenuve had caught Irvine. In a desperate lunge at the final corner he spun off, rejoining, somehow holding off Alesi at the flag.
Read more about this topic: 1997 French Grand Prix
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