Japanese GP Report & Results. (f1)

[Shiba-Kun]

Japanese GP Report: Alonso Wins While Schumi Blows

Sunday October 08 2006


Fernando Alonso claimed the victory in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix, gaining a firm hold on the World title as his Championship rival Michael Schumacher suffered an engine failure.

Although Schumacher was leading for most of the race, the crucial moment of the entire grand prix came on the 37th lap when the worst possible scenario for Schumacher happened.

Shortly after making his final pit stop smoke started to appear from the Ferrari car's engine and consequently he had to retire from the race.

This allowed Alonso to take the advantage and the Renault driver stormed into the lead and went on to win the race ahead of Schumacher's team-mate Felipe Massa.

Giancarlo Fisichella finished in third place ahead of Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen, while the two Toyotas of Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher were sixth and seventh. Nick Heidfeld grabbed the final points-scoring position for BMW.


Results
01 F. Alonso Renault 1:23:53.413
02 F. Massa Ferrari + 16.151
03 G. Fisichella Renault + 23.953
04 J. Button Honda + 34.101
05 K. Räikkönen McLaren + 43.596
06 J. Trulli Toyota + 46.717
07 R. Schumacher Toyota + 48.869
08 N. Heidfeld BMW + 1:16.095
09 R. Kubica BMW + 1:16.932
10 N. Rosberg Williams + 1 laps
11 P. de la Rosa McLaren + 1 laps
12 R. Barrichello Honda + 1 laps
13 R. Doornbos Red Bull + 1 laps
14 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso + 1 laps
15 T. Sato Super Aguri + 1 laps
16 T. Monteiro Spyker MF1 + 2 laps
17 S. Yamamoto Super Aguri + 3 laps

Did not finish
18 S. Speed Scuderia Toro Rosso + 4 laps
19 M. Webber Williams + 14 laps
20 M. Schumacher Ferrari + 17 laps
21 D. Coulthard Red Bull + 18 laps
22 C. Albers Spyker MF1 + 32 laps

[Boski]

I hate Alonso

[adnohrepus]

I would have been almost as surprised if the race had been interrupted by a meteor shower!
Michael's Ferrari engine hasn't let him down in 6 years! And now, at the penultimate race of the season, Michael's last season, when he's tied in the points with Alonso, his engine blows up... Damn...
I was really impressed with the way Michael conducted himself after the failure. Even when things don't go his way, he still gets along with the team. I would have liked to see Michael win one more championship in his last season, but that's not going to be easy now. Massa is going to have to try to take Alonso out in Brazil.
Fisi's podium finish was impressive considering what must have been on his mind that weekend after the loss of his best friend. I felt bad for him.
Also a good result for Button. I know he's not japanese but I was still surprised that he got almost no TV time. You'd think the best Honda wouldn't go almost totally unnoticed by the TV director at Suzuka but whatever. Good drive by Jensen anyway.
Also a good result for Kimi. I bet he didn't think he would finish 5th. His days of having a 5th place finish being considered good are going to be over soon. Next year he'll be running for race wins I'm sure.
Suzuka is a cool track, I've always liked it. Next year at Fuji should be interesting...

[adnohrepus]

Originally Posted by Boski

I hate Alonso

He has some cool dance moves though. I'm trying to find pics or a gif of that cool dance he did.
And what's up with the Karate Kid thing he did when he got out of the car?



lol. Massa was not happy...

[Shiba-Kun]

When I see the letters "TS" I don't think of Takuma Sato right off...

Dang, I can't believe I'm a fan of his too. It must be more of a loyalty to the Honda badge then anything else....