By Ollie Barstow
In a season of two halves that has seen
Fernando Alonso dominate the first part of the year and
Michael Schumacher hit back in the second, it is appropriate the duo go to the penultimate round of the season well and truly neck and neck.
Not that the two have much time to get used to their level status as the
F1 circus skips across from China and onto the legendary Suzuka circuit in little over a week for what could the final time and the Japanese Grand Prix, the scene of many a title decider in the past.
Although Michael Schumacher will need to win and Fernando Alonso to retire to lift the crown in front of the Japanese fans for the final time, the race is undoubtedly going to give one of the drivers the advantage heading into the final round of the season at Brazil.
Indeed, Suzuka could not have chosen a more tantalising tussle to impress the tens of thousands of passionate fans who will travel to the circuit for possibly the last time, following the announcement earlier in the season that the Japanese Grand Prix will be switching to Fuji from next season.
Whether or not Suzuka returns under a different moniker remains to be seen, but while most eyes will be on the finely balanced title battle, it is likely that many a driver will shed a wry tear to see another one of the last true drivers circuits disappear from the calendar…
FIA F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS:
With only a week between the races in China and Japan, the significant news in the world of F1 surrounded the Spyker MF1 team, who have confirmed a deal with
Ferrari for engines next season and have also retained the services of Christijan Albers for another season, to no-ones great surprise.
