Schumacher ahead of Alonso - Wurz heads Brazil practice (Roundup)

By Elmar Dreher Oct 20, 2006, 19:16 GMT

German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher of Scuderia Ferrar team steers his car during the second practice session at the racetrack in Interlagos near Sao Paulo, Brazil, Friday 20 October 2006. The F1 Grand Prix of Brazil will take place on Sunday 22 October. EPA/Kerim Okten

Sao Paulo - Michael Schumacher was marginally faster than Fernando Alonso in Friday's free practise for the Brazilian Grand Prix as the German started his bid for a miracle world championship scoop in his final Formula One career race.

Schumacher clocked 1 minute 13.713 in his Ferrari over the 4.309- kilometres lap with the Renault driver Alonso timed on 1:13.820 in the day's second session.

The session was led by a trio of test driver who are not eligible to compete in qualifying and the race. Williams driver Alexander Wurz had 1:12.547 minutes, Anthony Davidson of Honda 1:12.653 and Sebastian Vettel 1:12:870 in a BMW.

Toyota's Jarno Trulli was the fastest race driver with 1:13.483 minutes. Schumacher's time was good enough for sixth place and Alonso's for 10th as neither driver had a time measured in the morning session.

The Brazilian GP on Sunday is the last season race and also the final one the illustrious career of the 37-year-old German Schumacher.

Schumacher announced on September 10 that he quit at the end of the season. He owns virtually every record in the sport ranging from world championship titles (seven) to race wins (91) and pole positions (68).

But the most successful driver in the fast sport will need a miracle to end his career after 15 years in the best possible way with another title.

Alonso has 126 points to Schumacher's 116. Schumacher will only get the title if he wins and the title-holder Alonso finishes no better than ninth or not at all.

There was a distinct farewell feeling on the course, with Schumacher's wife Corinna, his father Rolf and many other friends on hand.

Schumacher received a giant picture from the Ferrari mechanics, with one photo showing the full pit crew and another one in black and white one of Schumacher's pit stops.

The Red Bull and Honda teams had farewell messages for Schumacher on their cars, with for instance a hearty 'See Ya' on the rear wing of Davidson's Honda.

More gifts are to follow on the weekend - with local football legend Pele to hand Schumacher a special trophy for his unqiue racing merits after Sunday's race.