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.