The 2006 Japanese Grand Prix was the seventeenth race of the 2006 Formula One season. It was held between 6–8 October at Suzuka International Racing Course, Suzuka. It was won by Fernando Alonso, his last win for the Renault team before he moved to McLaren the following season. It was the first Formula One race to be broadcast in HDTV by Fuji Television, and was the 20th Grand Prix to be held at Suzuka.
Felipe Massa started the race from pole, but Michael Schumacher soon passed him on lap 3 to take the lead. Schumacher was well on his way to victory and an undisputed lead in the championship with 1 race to go. On lap 37, Schumacher's engine failed, his first engine failure since the 2000 French Grand Prix, giving the lead to Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the race. This virtually gave the championship to Alonso. This was the most recent victory for Michelin, who pulled out of Formula One at the end of the season. Giancarlo Fisichella dedicated his third place finish to his best friend, Tonino Visciani, who died on 5 October 2006 after a heart attack.
Read more about 2006 Japanese Grand Prix: Standings After The Race
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