Schumacher in another procession

FORMULA One championship leader Michael Schumacher extended his advantage over Damon Hill to 35 points with his masterful victory in the Belgian Grand Prix yesterday.

The 25-year-old German, who tomorrow will appeal against a two-race ban for ignoring a black flag during the British round of the championship, cruised home 13.6 seconds clear of Hill after dominating the 44-lap race.

Schumacher's win was the 10th of his Formula One career. It came in his 49th race - on the circuit where he made his debut in 1991 and recorded his first victory in 1992.

Finland's Mika Hakkinen, driving a McLaren, finished third.