Schumacher thrilled with crucial win

Schumacher's fortune swung dramatically through the rain-affected race. Light rain early on hampered his pace on Bridgestone's slick tyre, but heavy rain allowed Schumacher to use the Japanese firms Intermediate rubber, which was vastly superior in the conditions to Michelin's offering.

"A great win and an important one, and obviously an important outcome for the rest of the competitors as concerns my position for the championship," said Schumacher. "It was so fantastic after not a great qualifying performance, having a good start, being back in the race, falling back due to the rain on slick tyres, then coming back on rain tyres and then not knowing what the weather was going to do, being back on slicks and it starting to rain again near the end.

"There was everything in it today, and to win this one, at this crucial stage in the championship, means a lot. We just had a fantastic car for these conditions. We also had unbelievable tyres for these conditions, which gave us the victory today."

Schumacher's points lead means that to win the crown Raikkonen need's to win in Japan with Schumacher failing to score. But despite his lead, Schumacher has stated his intention to fight for victory at Suzuka.

"Obviously, it's a very good position for us to start the last race in," said Schumacher. "Basically, we just need one point, but you never know. You have first to finish to be first and that will be, obviously, the main target. On the other side, I think we have a very reliable car, so we are very optimistic. My target for Suzuka, obviously, will be to win another race."