Massa Wins, Schumi Shines in last race despite bad luck

Felipe Massa dominated the Brazilian Grand Prix to take an emotional home victory, the first for a Brazilian on home soil since the late Ayrton Senna won in 1993. Fernando Alonso took the chequered flag in second position and clinched his second straight title while Renault wrapped up the constructors’ championship.

It was a thrilling conclusion to the year with Michael Schumacher putting in a stunning final drive to work his way back from flat last following a left rear cut tyre, to a fighting fourth position less than five seconds behind Jenson Button who also put in a fine drive for Honda.

It was a dramatic finale but out front, Massa dominated his home event from Pole Position and Schumacher aside, no one else could have beaten him to the victory today.

Fourth position for Michael Schumacher does not tell the take of his final Grand Prix. Starting tenth Schumacher was quickly up with Fisichella in sixth position. A daring pass around the outside into turn one and suddenly the Ferrari jinked as the left rear Bridgestone deflated.

Schumacher made it back to the pits and with a fresh set of tyres was soon back underway in 17th position a full 20s behind next man Tiago Monteiro. The fastest man lap after lap Schumacher left his second and final stop until late in the race and exited the pits for the final time ahead of Pedro de la Rosa who would go on to finish eighth.

Schumacher made short work of former Ferrari team-mate and then homed in on Fisichella once again. The Renault driver held Schumacher back for some time but finally the Italian made a mistake as he locked his front left wheel on the approach to turn one and ran wide. Next Schumacher homed in on Raikkonen and again fought hard to gain the position with a handful of laps remaining. Schumacher would set the fastest lap on his penultimate tour and take the chequered flag five seconds behind Button.

Back at the front and a well-deserved win from Felipe Massa who maintains his third place in the championship ahead of Giancarlo Fisichella. A great final race in what was a great season and a stunning career from Michael Schumacher. Roll on 2007...