Best race of the year!

I don't believe that FA holding off MS was the result of such brilliant driving, but the limits of Ferrari aero when getting up near the car in front. He could not stay close enough to attempt a pass.

 

He had no issue passing the other cars.

 

Michael was on Alonso's bumper for the last couple laps - so he was close enough to overtake if there was an opportunity. Well he did get Button by pressuring him into a mistake. The brilliance to me is the Alonso correctly read the strengths and weaknesses of his car vs the Ferrari and took away Michael's advantage by keeping the exit speed out of corners slow.

When Michael overtook Button it was with looming backmarkers (squabbling Williams) in front of them. Button must have been distracted by them because he let Michael get a run on him up the hill.

While Michael was chasing Alonso, he was initially pressuring him intensely for the first couple laps. Then he saw some backmarkers ahead (Jordan?) and must have thought to himself lightning strikes twice. But Alonso cleverly slowed down the pace to make the backmarkers a non-issue. By the time Michael realised this it was too late. Again evidence of a brilliant tactician at work.

I think Alonso like Michael is a "complete" driver. He has really improved year on year. Kimi might have some extra speed over him (the difference is small IMO) but he doesnt seem to have the full package.

Still here's wishing Kimi Raikonnen - WDC 2006

 

Precisely.

Japan showed how aggressive, fast and brilliant Alonso could drive if there isn't a title at stake yet he was mature enough all season long (well almost, Canada not withstanding) to do "a Prost" and reap just enough points to secure it.

Compare that to Kimi's no holes barred attitude, which caused the Nuerburgring DNF. Some call that bad luck, some call it self inflicted gun shot wound.