2006 Japanese Grand Prix

Infobox Grand Prix race report
Type = F1
Country = Japan
Grand Prix = Japanese
Date = October 8
Year = 2006


Caption = The Suzuka circuit
Race_No = 17
Season_No = 18
Official name = XXXII Fuji Television Japanese Grand Prix| Location = Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Mie, Japan
Course = Permanent racing facility
Course_mi = 3.608
Course_km = 5.807
Distance_laps = 53
Distance_mi = 191.224
Distance_km = 307.573
Weather = Fine
Pole_Driver = Felipe Massa
Pole_Team = Ferrari
Pole_Time = 1:29.599
Pole_Country = Brazil
Fast_Driver = Fernando Alonso
Fast_Team = Renault
Fast_Time = 1:32.676
Fast_L

Fast_Country = Spain
First_Driver = Fernando Alonso
First_Team = Renault
First_Country = Spain
Second_Driver = Felipe Massa
Second_Team = Ferrari
Second_Country = Brazil
Third_Driver = Giancarlo Fisichella
Third_Team = Renault
Third_Country = ItalyThe 2006 Japanese Grand Prix was the seventeenth race of the 2006 Formula One season. It was held between 6–8 October at Suzuka International Racing Course, Suzuka. It was won by Fernando Alonso, his last win for the Renault team before he moved to McLaren the following season. It was the first Formula One race to be broadcast in HDTV by Fuji Television. [ [http://www.zakzak.co.jp/gei/2006_08/g2006081708.html ZAKZAK ] ]

Felipe Massa started the race from pole, but Michael Schumacher soon passed him on lap 3 to take the lead. Schumacher was well on his way to victory and an undisputed lead in the championship with 1 race to go. On lap 37, Schumacher's engine failed, giving the lead to Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the race. This virtually gave the championship to Alonso.

Friday Drivers

Notes

* Lap Leaders: Felipe Massa (1–2); Michael Schumacher (3–36); Fernando Alonso (37–53)
* Third place Giancarlo Fisichella dedicated his third place to his best friend, Tonino Visciani, who died on 5 October, 2006 after a heart attack. [" [http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=37660 "Fisi dedicates third to dead pal"] " ITV Sport. Retrieved 9 October 2006]
* Schumacher's engine failure was his first in over six years, and essentially ended any chance of his winning an eighth championship.
*This was the last Japanese Grand Prix held at Suzuka to date. Starting from 2007, the race has moved to Fuji Speedway. However, in 2009, the race will return to Suzuka, and alternate with Fuji.
* This was Michelin's last win in Formula One.

tandings after the race

Note, only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings.;Drivers' Championship standings;Constructors' Championship standings

External links

* [http://www.manipef1.com/results/2006/japan.php Detailed Japanese Grand Prix results]

F1 race report
Name_of_race = Japanese Grand Prix
Year_of_race = 2006
Previous_race_in_season = 2006 Chinese Grand Prix
Next_race_in_season = 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix
Previous_year's_race = 2005 Japanese Grand Prix
Next_year's_race = 2007 Japanese Grand Prix

References