Alonso wins to put world championship in sight

Defending world champion driver Fernando Alonso celebrated like a man possessed after he moved within a point of retaining his title by winning the Japanese Grand Prix on October 8.

But on the joyful day for the Renault driver, who took full advantage when Michael Schumacherีs Ferrari suffered an engine failure, there was sadness for his team mate, Italian Giancarlo Fisichella.

Fisichella, who finished third behind second-placed Brazilian Felipe Massa in the second Ferrari, could not avoid weeping on the victorsี rostrum, following the death several days earlier of his best friend.

The 25-year-old Alonso trailed the German for 36 of the 53-lap contest before taking the lead when the retirement-bound seven-time champion Schumacher was forced out with an engine failure for the first time this year.

Alonso went on to cruise to an unexpected victory and now requires just one point in the final race of the season in Brazil, in a fortnight, to clinch his second championship.

It was his first victory in eight races since the Canadian Grand Prix in June; his seventh win this year and the 15th of his career.

าThe car performance later, after the first pit stop, was really good and then after Michaelีs problem the race was very good for us. When the gap behind Michael was only around 5.8, 5.9 or six seconds, I thought it was possible to win the race. Why not, I thought.

าIt was a complete surprise when I saw what happened to Michael. Ferraris donีt have many mechanical problems, so that was a big surprise for me.ำ