Michael Schumacher conceded that his bid for an unprecedented eighth Formula One drivers’ world title was over after defending champion, Fernando Alonso, profited from his blown engine to triumph today in the Japanese Grand Prix.

Schumacher said he and his Ferrari team would now concentrate on securing the constructors’ championship in the final race of the season, in Brazil, after their first engine failure for six years - in race conditions - wrecked his hopes of victory.

“It is lost,” said Schumacher. “I don’t want to head off for a race hoping that my rival has to retire - that is not the way in which I want to win the title.”

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