What's at stake for Renault at Japan?

With just two races left in the 2006 season, the world championship could hardly be closer. In the standings, Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher both have 116 points, with the German leading only by virtue of his greater win tally. In the constructors’ chase, the Renault F1 Team has re-taken the advantage over Ferrari. But it’s only a one point gap separating the two teams… Did you say you wanted suspense?!

For the Renault F1 Team, the Japanese Grand Prix will be an opportunity to build an important gap ahead of the final race in Brazil, in two weeks’ time. Ferrari are the main rivals, of course, but they may not be the only ones looking for a leading role.

Firstly, McLaren… They have bounced back to form in recent weeks, and Kimi Raikkonen was fighting for the top spots before his car broke in Shanghai. The Finn won a spectacular race in Suzuka last year, and he cannot be ruled out this weekend. Certainly, the Finn could prove to be the interloper in the battle between Fernando and Michael.

But the team from Woking won’t be the only one hoping for a strong performance. Honda and Toyota have both under-performed relative to their targets for the season, and they will want to race well in front of their fans and employees. They might aim to qualify well – even if it costs a little in the race. So look for Button or Barrichello, Trulli or Schumacher, trying to disrupt things at the front.

And of course, the weather cannot be forgotten. It has rained most of the day in Suzuka, and storms are not unusual at this time of year. All the pieces are in place for another epic Japanese Grand Prix, the last at this circuit for the foreseeable future…