Michael Schumacher - 116 points
Fernando Alonso - 116 points

Having reined in Alonso at Monza, Schumacher finally took over the world championship lead for the first time in the season with victory at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Alonso was again left to rue a missed opportunity as Renault threw away the win with mistakes in both of his pitstops and the Spaniard had to settle for second.

Schumacher was now level on 116 points with two Grands Prix left but topped the standings by virtue of having won one more race.