Alonso wins as Schumacher goes up in smoke teamcar - Michael Schumacher had just exited the pits for the second time whilst leading the 53-lap Japanese Grand Prix when his title hopes took a massive dive as the Ferrari V8 failed half way around the lap. Alonso soon picked his way through the smoke and cruised to the chequered flag and a ten point advantage heading to the season finale in two weeks time in Brazil.

Schumacher took over the lead early in the race from Pole-sitter Felipe Massa while Alonso soon worked his way up from fifth on the grid to run third behind the two Ferrari drivers. Massa would lose position to Alonso after losing time having exited the pits for the first time and found himself behind Nick Heidfeld who quite rightly did not yield. It was unfortunate for Massa who was forced to pit a little early due to a suspected puncture.

Schumacher continued to lead but the massive Bridgestone advantage displayed yesterday in qualifying did not translate in the race and Schumacher was forced to work very hard to keep the gap to Alonso at five seconds. 17 laps from the end of the race and it was all over for Schumacher as the engine failed in dramatic style. Alonso is on the verge of back-to-back titles and now needs just a single point in Brazil. (more pictures in photo gallery)  ¶ 4:36 PM