FERNANDO ALONSO won the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka in front of a sold-out crowd of 120,000 and regained his lead for world champion, with a ten-point lead. His victory also vaulted
Renault back into the lead for constructors' championship by nine points. The weather was warm, sunny and breezy.
Alonso said "This win is a surprise for us all, a beautiful surprise. After qualifying, Ferrari seemed to be a long way in front, but as soon as we started racing today, I could feel that the car was well-balanced, and that we had the same speed as
Ferrari. This win means a lot to the Renault team, and we have deserved it, and been waiting for it, ever since Hungary. The guys at the track, at the factories in Viry and Enstone, and at Michelin, have never given up all season. Now we feel confident for Brazil – but we are taking nothing for granted. The races are long, and you have to get everything right to make sure you finish in front. We have a good situation for the championship, but we will be racing the same way at Interlagos, to win."
Pole sitter FELIPE MASSA was runner-up, and could hardly contain his disappointment at not taking the victory for Ferrari.
GIANCARLO FISICHELLA was third, making the factory happy. However, Fisichella himself was weeping on the podium, saddened by the loss Thursday of his best friend, TONINO VISCIANI. Fisichella dedicated his podium place to his friend and said
caio.
"Now, we need to go to Brazil and be aggressive," he said, "The team is determined to win the constructors' championship, and I want to make sure I get third in the drivers' championship. So we will be aggressive, be focused, and try to win."
FLAVIO BRIATORE, Renault
F1 managing director, said "We will enjoy our victory this evening, but we haven't finished the job yet. That will be our sole focus for Brazil."
