Schumacher Returns to Scene of 2000 Title Triumph

Michael Schumacher can try to help Rubens Barrichello win the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday or he can claim another record for his collection.

Ferrari's Formula One World Champion cannot have it both ways at the scene of his emotional title triumph last year. Schumacher arrives at the season's final race with little stress, having already locked up both the drivers' and constructors' titles once again, and ready to enjoy himself.

He has collected a record 52nd career win along the way and amassed more points in a single season - 113 so far - than any other previous driver. Another eight points will take him past the all-time career record of 798.5 scored by French four times champion Alain Prost, who retired in 1993.

But to do that this year, Schumacher will have to win the same race that last season - when Japan was the penultimate round - made him Ferrari's first champion in 21 years. Brazilian teammate Barrichello also needs at least eight points however if he is to have a chance of overhauling Briton David Coulthard for second place overall in the Championship.

Small Chance

There is no doubt that Schumacher is over the depression that settled after the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington and ready to get back to proper racing. He made clear last week that he was not thinking about points records.

"When I race, I am only interested in winning," he said. "I haven't considered that I have to score a certain number of points to get this record. Each race is a new race and every duel is exciting."

But he also wants to enjoy his last outing before heading off for a well-earned winter break, extended this year by a ban on testing to the New Year.

"Perhaps yes," he said this week when asked if Suzuka would be a more relaxed affair than usual. "But on the other hand, Suzuka is one of the tracks that I really like, one of the tracks that suits us and which should be favourable to our tyres. We are well prepared. I am therefore optimistic.

"There is no doubt that we are out to win again in Suzuka. There is still a small chance that we can get Rubens into second place in the Championship and we will be trying to make use of this chance."

If the battle for second place looks predictable, the struggle for fourth in the Constructors' Championship - bringing important cash as well as kudos - is far tighter. Jordan and BAR are locked together, level on 17 points and five behind Sauber.

Farewells

Suzuka could see several farewells as well as last chances. The race could be the last for Finland's Mika Hakkinen, should he decide not to return at the end of 2002 from a year's break.

It may also be the end of the road at Jordan for French veteran Jean Alesi, although he is determined he is not about to retire, if Japan's Takuma Sato is appointed in his place. It will definitely be former champions Benetton's last race under that name before they are rebranded as Renault for the start of next season.

For them, the race offers a last chance to get ahead of rivals Jaguar to claim seventh place. Right at the back, without much hope of anything, Minardi have a final attempt to score a point for the first time since 1999.