The Grand Prix of Brazil 2006 - Sao Paulo - Proper Farewell! F1, Formule 1, grand prix, okruhy, závody, motor, monopost, AMG | Constructors F1 Constructors F1

The Grand Prix of Brazil 2006 - Sao Paulo - Proper Farewell!

L.Pecháček/foto J.Křenek | 22.10.06 | Komentáře - L.Pecháček 2006

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The GP of Brazil's prologue reminded of fever not only of Saturday's night. Speculations emerged about who and how might knock Alonso out, to prevent him from finishing the race, in case Michael Schumacher should win. As that was the only way for Michael to win the title after all. There was no talk about the possibility of attack on Schumacher. Ferrari prepared new engines, capable to work at 20,000 rpm, for both drivers. Renault provided a new engine only for Fisichella, Alonso kept the tested one from Japan. The Friday's and Saturday's practices went better for Ferrari again. Similarly to qualification, when both Schumacher and Massa reached excellent times. However, in the last part, decisive for the first five rows of the grid standings, a disappointment came for Ferrari. Michael took one lap in a walking pace and returned to the pits. The engine lack fuel pressure. Although his mechanics tried hard to change the fuel pump they just did not make it in time. In the end Schumacher left his car reconciled with the 10th place on the grid. A little compensation for Ferrari was the Massa's pole position. A reason to be euphoric for the Brazilian fans. No Brazilian driver has been successful here for 13 years. Next to Massa, Räikkönen got to the first row, there were Trulli and Alonso (hopeful for Fernando) in the second one, then Barrichello and Fisichella, Ralf Schumacher and Heidfeld, Kubica and M.Schumacher.

As soon as the first lap Webber and Rosberg collided and both Williamses were out. Massa was in the lead before Räikkönen, Trulli, Alonso, Barrichello, who soon was passed by Fisichella and later also by aggressively attacking M.Schumacher. Who went on his way forward, however in the lap 9,when he was overtaking Fisichella, he damaged his rear tire and had to go back to the pits. He lost almost one lap and fell as deep as the 20th place! In that moment his chances of success seemed hopeless. He only made his way forward by his opponents retiring (Trulli, R.Schumacher, Coulthard). He was about 50s behind Massa. But as he probably had enough fuel, he did not have to refuel with the others, stayed on the circuit and systematically moved to the 7th place. He passed Barrichello and began to make Fisichella nervous. He made him make a mistake and was on the 5th place. In the end he dealt with Räikkönen as well and finished on the 4th place! Amazing! It was a Champion's worth performance as a farewell. However, Alonso raced equally champion style.The 10 points advantage made him sure and calm. The worries of unfair behaviour towards him proved to be nonsense. Nobody dared even to indicate anything like that. Alonso stuck among the fastest all the race, waiting only for the pit stops and opponents' mistakes. He did not need more. It was enough for him to finish at a point wining position. However, he could not forget the racer's genes. In the middle of the race he got to the 2nd place. He was 25s behind Massa and therefore he did not even attempt to threat him. He drove easy, reliably, without mistakes - truly like a Champion. Behind him, Button showed similar mastership (he started 14th). Then there was M.Schumacher, but regardless of being the fastest at the end (lap 1:12.162) he only managed to get near his rivals. The remaining points were for Räikkönen, Fisichella, Barrichello and de la Rosa.Final standings:
1. Massa (BRA) Ferrari, 2. Alonso (SPA) Renault, 3. Button (ANG) Honda, 4. M.Schumacher (GER) Ferrari, 5. Räikkönen (FIN) Mc.Laren-Mercedes, 6. Fisischella (ITA) Renault, 7. Barrichello (BRA) Honda, 8. de la Rosa (SPA) McLaren-Mercedes.The Driver's Championship in Formula 1 was regained by Fernando Alonso from Spain before Michael Schumacher and Felippe Massa. Who was probably the happiest latest winner of the GP of Brazil. A Brazilian won here last time in 1993 - Ayrton Senna.The Manufacture's Title stayed in Renault before Ferrari and McLaren. Williams was probably the biggest disappointment of the season as they finished the 8th with 11 points. It was the worst result in the last 27 years.

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