Japanese Grand Prix 2007 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Lewis Hamilton bounced back from his Belgian disaster with a crucial victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, controlling a chaotic wet-weather race at Fuji Speedway that saw multiple accidents and safety car periods. The rookie's fourth career win, achieved from pole position in treacherous conditions, re-established his 12-point championship lead with just two races remaining, while Heikki Kovalainen's surprise second place for Renault and Kimi Räikkönen's third-place finish for Ferrari set up a dramatic finale.

Hamilton's pole lap of 1:25.368 was followed by a masterful wet-weather performance that showcased the talent that had defined his remarkable rookie season. The 22-year-old demonstrated exceptional car control in the torrential rain that swept across Fuji, threading his McLaren through the spray and standing water while rivals crashed around him. Hamilton also set the fastest lap, underlining his dominance despite the treacherous conditions. The race was red-flagged after a horrific first-lap accident involving Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel, with the safety car deployed multiple times as drivers struggled with visibility and grip.

Kovalainen produced a brilliant drive to finish second for Renault, his best result of the season coming at the perfect time in front of potential future employers. Räikkönen salvaged third place for Ferrari despite a difficult race, keeping his mathematical championship hopes alive but falling 12 points behind Hamilton with two races to go. Fernando Alonso crashed out in the early stages while battling for position, ending his championship challenge and ensuring he would leave McLaren without delivering the title. Hamilton's victory put him in command of the championship heading to China - he needed only to finish on the podium in one of the final two races to guarantee the title, but the rookie's nightmare at Shanghai would soon produce one of the most dramatic season finales in F1 history.