Capello celebrates 'second' title

Capello and co-driver Allan McNish clinched the 2006 ALMS P1 championship by winning last weekend's Mosport Park round.

"When Allan crossed the line, I thought 'this time it is done,'" Capello told the series' official website.

"And now I can enjoy this title. We don't have to think anymore for the championships and we can race and fight for the race wins."

For McNish it was a second championship to back up his 2000 success, but that year Capello was denied by a rule that awarded bonus points to the driver setting pole position and fastest lap as well as the shared points for finishing positions.

Despite McNish and Capello taking six joint victories in 2000, the Italian was classified 10 points behind his co-driver.

"It was a rule I really didn't like," Capello said.

"Sometimes you have to be in the car at the right time. It was a question as to where and when you were on the race track.

"Now, all the team and drivers are working to win the race together and you don't have to worry about extra points."

McNish feels that his co-driver should now consider himself a double champion.

"It was only the vagueness of the rules that caused Dindo to not have the championship in 2000," said McNish.

"So this is really number two for him, but a long overdue number two."

Capello hopes to return and defend his title next year.

"At the moment, I'm 42 but I have to say that I feel much better than I did 10 years ago," he said.

"I'm still ready for a few more years. It would for sure be great to go back and defend the championship next year.

"I can just hope that Audi gives me a chance."