Magny Cours (France): Michael Schumacher's record-equalling fifth world title triumph on Sunday was confirmed despite a race stewards' inquiry into the decisive moment of his French Grand Prix victory.

Officials looked into allegations that the Ferrari ace had illegally passed McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen four laps from the end while yellow flags were being waved.

But the sport's governing body the FIA said that, after studying the incident, there were no grounds to strip Schumacher of his famous win.

"Having heard the explanations of the drivers and their representatives, and having viewed video evidence and examined the relevant sector times, the stewards decided that no further action is deemed necessary," the FIA said in a statement.

Schumacher clinched his fifth world title, and his eighth win in 11 races this season, four laps from the end of a gripping 72-lap battle at the 4.25km Magny Cours circuit after a slip from race leader Raikkonen.

However, the Finn's McLaren boss Ron Dennis immediately cast doubt on the validity of the Ferrari driver's triumph, which took him level with the five titles won by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio.

Dennis claimed that Schumacher had passed Raikkonen for the lead when yellow warning flags were waving caused by oil left on the track when the Toyota of Allan McNish had crashed out with a blown engine.

"Kimi entered a yellow flag zone and Michael overtook before there was a green one to let him pass," Dennis told reporters.

Agencies