Fernando Alonso - 88 points
Michael Schumacher - 69 points

The US Grand Prix undoubtedly marked a turning point in the title race, with Schumacher denying Alonso a fifth straight win.

Alonso paid the price for cautious tyre selection by Michelin, which sought to avoid a repeat of the 2005 fiasco when only the six Bridgestone-tyred cars started the race because of safety issues.

Although both drivers escaped a multiple pile-up on the opening lap, Alonso struggled to fifth as Schumacher romped home in first.