United States Grand Prix 2006 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Michael Schumacher ignited Ferrari's championship fightback with a dominant victory at the United States Grand Prix, leading teammate Felipe Massa to a crushing one-two finish at Indianapolis that signaled the beginning of an extraordinary winning streak. The German maestro's imperious performance from pole position, coupled with Fernando Alonso's retirement while running third, swung the championship momentum decisively in Ferrari's favor and set the stage for one of the most dramatic second-half surges in F1 history.

Starting from pole with a blistering lap of 1:10.832 around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway infield circuit, Schumacher controlled the race from start to finish with clinical precision. The seven-time champion's pace was devastating, and he also set the fastest lap to complete a perfect weekend. His Ferrari F248 showed superior race pace, particularly on the long straights and high-speed sections of the unique Indianapolis layout. Massa provided excellent support, ensuring Ferrari maximized their constructor points with a one-two finish that devastated Renault's championship hopes.

Alonso's race ended in bitter disappointment when his Renault suffered a mechanical failure while running third, handing Schumacher and Ferrari a golden opportunity to close the championship gap. The retirement was Alonso's first of the season and came at the worst possible moment, with his 25-point lead slashed to just 11 points. Giancarlo Fisichella salvaged third place for Renault, but the damage was done. The race marked a crucial turning point in the championship - Ferrari had found their rhythm, Schumacher was driving at his imperious best, and Alonso's aura of invincibility had been shattered. The championship battle, which had seemed all but decided after Canada, was suddenly wide open again.