Fernando Alonso - 126 points
Michael Schumacher - 116 points

Alonso's title hopes were hanging by a thread at the start of the Japanese race; by the end the world crown was his to lose.

Alonso had gone to Japan knowing anything less than eighth plus a Schumacher win would instantly hand the championship to his rival.

Schumacher looked set to fulfil his part of the bargain before a rare Ferrari engine failure on the 37th lap gifted victory to Alonso, who moved 10 points clear and one race from ultimate glory.