2006 Japanese Grand Prix

Championship standings

Schumacher leads the Drivers’ Championship for the first time in 2006 after drawing level with Alonso on points at Shanghai. He holds the lead on countback by virtue of more race victories. With two races remaining, whoever finishes ahead of the other at Suzuka takes the championship lead into the final round in Brazil.

Previous race

Schumacher won in China — his 91st career victory — after running on a drying track where the Bridgestone tyres gained significant advantage over Michelin as conditions dried. Alonso led early but a tyre strategy error at his first pit stop, changing only the fronts, caused him to lose pace rapidly. A 19-second stop at his second visit dropped him to fourth. He charged back in the closing laps, setting fastest laps in succession, but was unable to reach Schumacher. Fisichella second gave Renault a one-point lead in the Constructors’ Championship. Giancarlo Fisichella dedicated his podium to his best friend Tonino Visciani, who died on 5 October after a heart attack.

Milestones

The Japanese Grand Prix has been held at Suzuka since 1987. This is the 32nd running of the Japanese Grand Prix and the 20th to be held at Suzuka. The race is the first Formula One event to be filmed and broadcast in high-definition television, available in Japan on Fuji Television.