Although it wasn’t one of Fernando Alonso’s finest performances, and although it wasn’t one of the greatest Japanese Grand Prix in memory, it was a very important afternoon for the Renault lad. While Schumacher can still mathematically win the 2006 World Championship, it seems very unlikely that the seven times champion will be able to make it eight.

Because of this fact, and without wanting to celebrate something before it is actually confirmed, Alonso ‘quietly’ enjoyed his podium at Suzuka.

Formula One, F1, Fernando Alonso, Renault, Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka