Motorsports

Schumacher sees title hopes slip away

By TIMES WIRES
Published October 9, 2006

SUZUKA, Japan - Michael Schumacher was leading the Japanese Grand Prix and had thoughts of ending his career with the Formula One points championship.

Then, he saw smoke coming from his engine.

"And I knew immediately what (that) meant for the race and championship," said Schumacher, who is retiring after this season. "For me the championship is over. I have to say clearly I don't really believe in the championship anymore."

Reigning world champion Fernando Alonso won at Suzuka on Sunday and heads into the season's final race with a 10-point lead over Schumacher, who dropped out in the 37th lap with a blown engine.

At first Alonso didn't realize it was Schumacher's red Ferrari pulling off the track.

"I thought (the car) was orange and not red," Alonso said.

"I was so concentrated I didn't realize until I was side by side that it was Michael. When I realized it was him, I did like this," Alonso said, shaking his fist.

Renault's Alonso leads Ferrari's Schumacher 126-116 in the points standings heading into the Brazilian GP on Oct. 22. If Alonso finishes in the top eight, thereby securing a point, he clinches the title.

"The championship will be decided in Brazil as we all expected," said Alonso. "We have to be safe, don't take too many risks."

Felipe Massa finished second to keep alive Ferrari's hopes of winning the constructor's title, while Alonso's teammate Giancarlo Fisichella finished third.

It was Alonso's seventh victory this season and 15th of his career, though it was his first since the Canadian GP in June. Schumacher also has seven victories this season.

Schumacher appeared to be cruising to victory when smoke started pouring from his engine just after his pit stop on the 36th lap. He slowed and watched Alonso pass him as he steered off the track.

Alonso inherited first place and a 10-second lead over Massa with 16 laps remaining.

Schumacher remained composed as he walked back to the pits with his helmet in hand, and even managed a wave to the crowd.

DRIVER DIES: Mark Porter, a touring car racing driver, died from injuries sustained three days ago in a collision during a support event for Australia's Bathurst 1000.

Porter, a 31-year-old New Zealander, was preparing for the V8 Supercar race when his car spun sideways and was struck by Ford driver David Clark at 111 mph at the Mount Panorama circuit, about 120 miles west of Sydney.

Porter, who suffered serious head and abdominal injuries, died after two days in intensive care at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

[Last modified October 9, 2006, 02:24:09]