Reigning champion Fernando Alonso and Renault seemed set to repeat their stranglehold on the title as the brilliant Spaniard scored six wins in the first nine races. However Ferrari and Michael Schumacher - aided by Bridgestone’s ultra -competitive tyres – altered the picture in the most emphatic manner with the seven-time champion notching up five wins by mid-season to lead. However, Alonso held his nerve despite mid-season drama when the Renault team was obliged to redesign their car. The Spaniard collected his second consecutive Championship at the season’s finale in Brazil after Schumacher’s spirited challenge was halted by puncture.