Schumacher sets ominous pace in final practice
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-10-08 08:34 Ferrari's Michael Schumacher
put Renault's Fernando Alonso on red alert after lapping nearly two seconds
faster than his title rival in Saturday's final Japanese Grand Prix practice.
Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher of
Germany covers his ears as he prepares a free practice session in Toyota
pit during at the Suzuka circuit in Suzuka, central Japan, October 7,
2006, ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix on
Sunday.[Reuters] |
Schumacher, chasing an unprecedented eighth world championship before
retirement, clocked a time of one minute 30.653 seconds on a bright but gusty
morning at Suzuka.
World champion Alonso, level on points with the German but behind 7-6 on race
wins, was fifth fastest with a best lap 1.902 seconds slower.
With two races remaining, including Sunday's showdown, Schumacher can clinch
the title at the Suzuka circuit if he wins and Alonso fails to score.
Ralf Schumacher, who started on pole position last year, was second fastest
for Toyota after being pipped by his older brother by 1.210 seconds just as the
hour long session came to an end.
The two Schumachers were the only drivers to lap under the 1:32.00 mark.
Honda's Briton Jenson Button was third on the timesheets with Renault's
Giancarlo Fisichella fourth.
After days of rain, the sun shone in a near cloudless sky -- conditions that
put a smile on the face of Ferrari's Bridgestone tyre partners at their home
circuit.
Schumacher has won six times while Alonso has yet to triumph at Suzuka, which
is saying farewell to a Japanese grand prix. The race will be staged at
Toyota-owned Fuji from next year.
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