Schumacher blows engine and title hopes

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

The Formula One driving title will be decided at the Brazilian GP on Oct. 22 with Renault’s Alonso leading Schumacher of Ferrari 126-116 in the standings.

Felipe Massa finished second Thursday to preserve Ferrari’s hopes of winning the constructor’s title, while Alonso’s Renault teammate Giancarlo Fisichella finished third.

After Schumacher went out, Alonso maintained his gap over Massa through the last 15 laps. After crossing the finish line, Alonso swerved left and right repeatedly in celebration of his first win since the Canadian GP in June.

The title race is now back in Alonso’s hands. And while he needs only to score a point in the last race to clinch the title no matter where Schumacher finishes, Alonso isn’t taking anything for granted.

“I think it is a little too early, but for sure the same thing can happen in Brazil. For sure we are now in a much better position than before,” he said. “Now we only need a few points and it becomes a bit easier.”

Jenson Button in a Honda, was fourth, while Kimi Raikkonen of McLaren, last year’s winner here, was fifth. Toyota’s Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher were next with Nick Heidfeld of BMW-Sauber eighth.

Sunday’s F1 race is the last at Suzuka for a while as the Japanese GP moves to the Fuji track next year.

NHRA

Persistent rain showers and a wet forecast forced NHRA officials to postpone the Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park until next weekend.