Schumacher's Ferrari suffering engine failure to win the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka and put him within touching distance of retaining his world title.
It is the first time the German has suffered such a problem in five years and it couldn't have happened at a more crucial time.
The race had looked Schumacher's for the taking but disaster stuck on lap 37 when, shortly after leaving the pits, smoke began billowing from his Ferrari, putting him out of the race.
The victory for Alonso means he now only needs to finish in the top eight at the Brazilian Grand Prix to take back-to-back titles.
The odds have now moved dramatically back in Alonso's favour. Shumacher, who was favourite before the
