Alonso wins Japanese GP
(CRIENGLISH.com)
Updated: 2006-10-08 16:53 Fernando Alonso has won the Japanese Grand Prix,
and received a massive championship boost when long-time leader Michael
Schumacher retired with an engine failure.
Formula One driver Fernando Alonso
celebrates his victory after the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, Japan
October 8, 2006.Alonso has won the Japanese Grand Prix, and received a
massive championship boost when long-time leader Michael Schumacher
retired with anengine failure. [sina.com]
| From fifth on the grid, Alonso had got himself
up to second place at Suzuka, and was perfectly placed to take advantage of a
rare Ferrari problem, as Schumacher coasted to a smoky halt with just 16 laps
remaining. From damage limitation - he appeared to be heading to Brazil with a
two-point deficit to make up - Alonso now makes the journey to the season finale
with ten points in hand, and needing just eighth place to confirm his second
world title.
Schumacher had led the Japanese race since being allowed into P1 by team-mate
Felipe Massa on lap three, but was unable to give himself the championship
initiative. Massa duly took up the reins, splitting the two Renaults in the
final result, but could do little about the regie taking a firm grip on the
constructors' championship.
Jenson Button clinched fourth on home ground for Honda, while Kimi Raikkonen
kept the two Toyotas - disappointing after their lightweight qualifying
performance - at bay for fifth. Nick Heidfeld completed the scorers after seeing
off a late challenge from BMW Sauber team-mate Robert Kubica.
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