Highlights

Renault discord helps Schumacher - Ralf

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-10-05 10:05

TOKYO - Ralf Schumacher is backing big brother Michael to win a record eighth drivers' championship and leave Formula One on a high.

Michael is locked in a fierce battle with Renault's Fernando Alonso with two races left but, despite reports of an icy relationship between the brothers, Ralf was quick to give Michael a clear edge.

"Michael has the chance - he knows it," Ralf told Reuters before Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. "He missed it last year and he's desperate to win the title this year.

"From a package point of view you have to say Ferrari is clearly stronger and Michael will be very focused. It would be the perfect way of saying goodbye to everybody."

Both Schumacher and Alonso have 116 points in the drivers' standings but the German is ahead 7-6 on race wins and can clinch the title in Japan if he wins and Alonso fails to score a point.

Ralf also said Alonso's reported comments in China last week, complaining there were people at Renault who did not want him to win, could hurt the Spaniard's chances of retaining the title.

"I think with Fernando leaving Renault (for McLaren) and there being some trouble with them fighting with each other a bit in the team as it seems, I clearly see Michael having the upper hand," said the Toyota driver.

Ralf also sought to defuse rumours of a souring of relations with his brother, despite only hearing about Michael's decision to retire from Formula One through the media.

The younger Schumacher shed some light on his throwaway remark in Monza two races ago when he joked that maybe Michael would send him a text message informing him of his decision.