Schumi throws in towel in title battle

[Wizzo]

Michael Schumacher has conceded defeat in his battle with Fernando Alonso after retiring from the Japan grand prix to lie ten points behind the Spaniard.

A despondent Schumacher admitted that his dreams of a record eighth world title have been crushed. He added: "We've got to see that as clearly as it is, because we all know that Fernando only needs one point now."

"That means it'll be more or less a walk in the park for him now and go easy on everything."

"To assume that someone will not finish, or to plan on winning (the championship) on something like that, isn't a basis that I want to build upon."

Meanwhile, Alonso said his win in Japan was a relief after months of frustration in his battle with Schumacher.

"I was quite happy with third place - but after Michael's problem the race became quite good for us," added Alonso.

"This win is a surprise for us all, a beautiful surprise."

"We have a good situation for the championship, but we will be racing the same way at Interlagos, to win."

He added the victory had boosted morale at Renault in a week dominated by in-fighting.

"My victory means a lot, not only for me but for the team as well, getting back confidence," he said.

"At the beginning of race I thought that we were not in good shape, but we were wrong, actually we were competitive, as good as the Ferrari pace maybe and better than Toyota."

The race could be the last at Suzuka with the Japan grand prix set to be scheduled at Fuji next season.