Ferrari not relaxing despite points lead

Kimi Raikkonen is the only man who can deny Schumacher a record sixth title, but to do so the McLaren star needs to win the Japanese GP with the Ferrari ace failing to score. However, Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn knows from past title showdowns that anything could happen.

"We've all got memories of Nigel in 1986 and we know this is still going to be quite tough," said Brawn, referring to the famous championship decider when Nigel Mansell was denied the title due to a puncture. "To go there needing one point is actually sometimes tougher than knowing you have to win it, because there are so many things that can happen.

"It's more difficult because all you can do is lose the championship, and it would be a tragedy for us to get this close and not win it."

Ferrari boss Jean Todt has a slightly more optimistic viewpoint, but adds that the team must continue to fight for the Constructors' championship, in which it leads Williams by just three points.

"[Winning at Indy] has been a big relief and great satisfaction, even though we know that there is still one Grand Prix to go in two weeks in Japan and there's everything to play for," said Todt.

"It's true that in the Drivers' championship Michael is in a good situation but on the other hand, in the Constructors' series we have only a three point lead, and we know very well that that's not a lot and insufficient to allow to tackle Japan in a relaxed way. So we must fight to try and win."