Japanese Grand Prix 1997 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher kept his faint championship hopes alive with victory at Suzuka, though he needed Jacques Villeneuve to encounter problems at the Jerez finale to have any chance of stealing the title. The German drove superbly at Japan's most demanding circuit, showcasing Ferrari's improved pace and his own exceptional skill. Heinz-Harald Frentzen finished second for Williams after a solid drive, while Eddie Irvine completed the podium with third place for Ferrari, giving the Scuderia their best result of the season.

Villeneuve finished fifth, doing exactly what was required to keep his nine-point championship lead heading to the final race. With Schumacher needing to win at Jerez and have Villeneuve finish outside the points to steal the championship, the Canadian was firmly in control of his destiny. The stage was set for a dramatic season finale in Spain, where Villeneuve needed only to finish ahead of Schumacher to become World Champion.