(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-09-30 14:48

FUJI, Japan - McLaren's world champion Fernando Alonso crashed out of the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, dealing a huge blow to the Spaniard's hopes of a third successive title.

McLaren Formula One driver Fernando Alonso of Spain is surrounded by the media as he walks off after crashing out during the Japanese F1 Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway in Oyama, central Japan September 30, 2007. [Agencies]

 The accident on a rainsoaked track left his 22-year-old rookie team mate Lewis Hamilton, who was leading the race, as clear championship favourite.

Hamilton led Alonso by two points before Fuji with only races, in China and Brazil, to come.