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F1: Another unpredicted win for Alonso; Massa 7th, Hamilton out of points

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Khatir Soltani
What else can be said then Fernando Alonso won Sunday his second straight Grand Prix in the Renault?

The Spaniard drove an inspired race to win a second consecutive one, in Japan. Pole Robert Kubica and Finish Kimi Raikkonen, respectively on BMW-Sauber and Ferrari, completed this second unusual podium.

In Singapore two weeks ago, Alonso won his first race since more than a year in front of German Nico Rosberg and championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

Talking of Hamilton, the McLaren driver was sent spinning by his rival contender, Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, when the Brazilian kept an impossible inside line in the chicane in the second lap. He was then last.

Hamilton had provoked a collision himself with the other Ferrari in the first lap, which explains while the two drivers (Hamilton and Massa) were sent to a drive-through penalty that ruined their race.

Felipe Massa initially finished eight with an incredible frontstraight move centimetres from the wall and then in the grass, but he got the seventh place after the stewards gave a 25 seconds penalty to Sébastien Bourdais for the collision he made with him in the pits. Bourdais was classified eight after the penalty was applied.

The Formula 1 circus will head to China where next race will be on no later than next week. Will Alonso put on another unexpected win? Orient seems to fit him good, that is for sure.

The Spaniard haven't yet sign his 2009 contract, but these wins might convince him to stay where he is. Honda is also interested and has made an offer to Alonso. "I will wait the end of the season to make a decision," said Alonso after the race.

In any cases, Massa is now only five points behind Lewis Hamilton in the standing. Robert Kubica is still mathematically in the race, but Raikkonen officially lost his crown with 21 points behind Hamilton.

Race Results - Fuji, Japan:

1 - Fernando Alonso (Renault R28) - 67 laps 1.30'21"892
2 - Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber F1.08) - 5"2
3 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F2008) - 6"4
4 - Nelson Piquet (Renault R28) - 20"5
5 - Jarno Trulli (Toyota TF108) - 23"7
6 - Sebastian Vettel (Toro Rosso STR3-Ferrari) - 39"2
7 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2008) - 46"1
8 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB3-Renault) - 50"89
9 - Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber F1.08) - 54"1
10 - Sebastien Bourdais (Toro Rosso STR3-Ferrari) - 34"089 +25"0 (penalty)
11 - Nico Rosberg (Williams FW30-Toyota) - 1'02"0
12 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/23-Mercedes) - 1'28"9
13 - Rubens Barrichello (Honda RA108) - 1 lap
14 - Jenson Button (Honda RA108) - 1 lap
15 - Kazuki Nakajima (Williams FW30-Toyota) - 1 lap

Best Lap: Felipe Massa 1'18"426

Retirements:
0 lap - David Coulthard
6° Lap - Timo Glock
8° Lap - Adrian Sutil
16° Lap - Heikki Kovalainen
21° Lap - Giancarlo Fisichella

Championship:
1.Hamilton 84; 2.Massa 78; 3.Kubica 72; 4.Raikkonen 61; 5.Heidfeld 56; 6.Kovalainen 51; 7.Alonso 48; 8.Trulli 30; 9.Vettel 29; 10.Glock, Webber 20; 12.Piquet 18; 13.Rosberg 13; 14.Barrichello 11; 15.Nakajima 9; 16.Coulthard 8; 17.Bourdais 7; 18.Button 3.

**Non-official results**
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada