2006 Japanese Grand Prix

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.

Friday drivers
The bottom 6 teams in the 2005 Constructors' Championship and Super Aguri were entitled to run a third car in free practice on Friday. These drivers drove on Friday but did not compete in qualifying or the race.

Qualifying
From:

Race
From:

Standings after the race
Note, only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings.


 * Drivers' Championship standings


 * Constructors' Championship standings