One step closer...

Putting his disastrous race at Fuji well-behind him, Lewis Hamilton's dream of a maiden F1 title is nearing reality.

The McLaren driver started from pole and made a clean getaway. Barring the first round of pitstops, Hamilton's lead was unassailable. He was in charge of the race from start to finish.

Kimi Raikkonen running behind in second did not pressure him. The overall consensus was that this was the race Lewis should have driven in Japan.

On lap 49, Raikkonen let third-placed Felipe Massa through to second. Raikkonen was later quoted as saying that since he was already out of championship contention, he was now "driving for the team" and would help Felipe if he could. BMW's Robert Kubica finished sixth, and is also out of contention.

Hamilton's lead is now back to seven points. He will be going into the final race this year with the same lead as last year. The McLaren driver is more confident, but he is also wary of writing off his opponent's chances.

Massa must finish first or second in Brazil to have any chance of taking the title.
But Hamilton only needs to finish fifth if Massa wins or seventh if the Brazilian is second to secure the crown.

With the championship within his grasp, Hamilton will have to try and suppress his racing instincts.

"We don't have to win in Brazil." "We just have to do a solid job and that's going to be our target."

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20081019232107925.jpg[/IMG]

Credits: JRC