It was probably Bertrand Gachot's greatest contribution to Formula One motor racing.

On a gloomy London high street in the winter of 1991, Gachot was involved in a heated argument with a cab driver.

As the two argued, the Frenchman unwisely reached for a can of CS gas to settle the dispute and was sentenced to six months in prison for his pains.

Gachot was sent down and, as a result, Michael Schumacher was on his way up.

With Gachot behind bars, Eddie Jordan needed a replacement driver for his team.

He turned to unknown German rookie Schumacher and the rest, as they say, is history.

Since making his debut in 1991, where he qualified his Jordan in seventh place on the grid at Spa, Schumacher's career has been successful, colourful and controversial.

And it reached unprecedented heights in Suzuka Sunday when he wrapped up an unprecedented record sixth world championship.

It was at Benetton where he began to shine. He clinched his first world title with Flavio Briatore's team in 1994 and repeated the feat the following year.

But Schumacher, like all great champions, divides opinion.

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