Alonso, however, was resolute in his defence, holding the appropriate line to frustrate the German as they headed into the final tour. Again, Schumacher took a couple of looks, but saved his greatest pressure for eleven, where he showed Alonso the nose of the
Ferrari. The Spaniard again reacted to close the gap, but took a very defensive line through the final complex, slowing his exit and allowing Schumacher to get a run on him. Had the finish line been at the same place as the start, it may have proven costly....
Massa, meanwhile, had been largely overlooked amid the tension, but was suitably emotional as the realisation of a dream sank in on the slowing down lap. The second new grand prix winner in as many races, his success had come in a different way to
Jenson Button's in Hungary, but was welcome nonetheless, especially as his future is uncertain for 2007.
A lot, including Massa's destiny, remains hinged on Schumacher's decision to stay or go next season, and the Turkish result did little to settle the issue either way. The circus now moves on to Ferrari's home round, at Monza on 10 September, with announcements regarding its line-up scheduled post-race. Massa's win may have come at just the right time.
