Formula One news

Title race: 2 to go

Sebastian Vettel's superb drive to victory in Japan on Sunday confirms that the German remains with a shout of stealing the 2009 title from the Brawn GP drivers; the Brackley team remains strong favourite for Constructors' honours, however, with only two races remaining this season.

With 15 Grands Prix down, just a couple remain with Brazil now under a fortnight away and Abu Dhabi's first appearance coming two weeks later. Jenson Button's lead was reduced by 1 point at Suzuka although winner Vettel took 9 out of the Englishman to move to within 2 points of 2nd placed Rubens Barrichello.

Although Button, Barrichello and Vettel can all still clinch their first world crown, Button is the only man who is able to do so in Brazil. Red Bull can now only win the Constructors' title by half a point and must finish 1-2 in both races - with both Brawns out of the top eight on the two occasions - to do so.

With Button able to sweep the title up without evening finishing at Interlagos, Barrichello must finish in the top 4 places and Vettel in the top 2 in order to have a chance of keeping their championship aspirations alive; however, they do not share Button's luxury of being able to win the crown regardless of rivals' finishing positions, as a podium result for the Englishman would confirm the top spot for 2009.


How Jenson Button can win the Drivers' title in Brazil:

- by finishing 1st
- by finishing 2nd
- by finishing 3rd
- by finishing 4th with Barrichello 2nd or lower
- by finishing 5th with Barrichello 2nd or lower
- by finishing 6th with Barrichello 3rd or lower and Vettel 2nd or lower
- by finishing 7th with Barrichello 3rd or lower and Vettel 2nd or lower
- by finishing 8th with Barrichello 4th or lower and Vettel 3rd or lower
- by not scoring with Barrichello 5th or lower and Vettel 3rd or lower


How Red Bull Racing can beat Brawn to the Constructors' title:

- by finishing 1st and 2nd in Brazil and Abu Dhabi with the Brawn cars not scoring in either race

more news

• 23 Nov.
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas
  • Clock ticking for Silverstone
  • Williams sells first shares
  • Official: Bianchi handed Ferrari test
  • My door is open, says Trulli
  • Button: I needed a new challenge
• 19 Nov.
  • Brawn 'very disappointed' with Button outcome
  • Sons release birthday song for Jackie Stewart
  • Räikkönen: No talks with Brawn
  • No early Brawn exit for Button
  • 'Unfinished business' for Räikkönen
  • 2010: How the grid is shaping up
• 18 Nov.
  • Button move a mistake, says Stewart
  • Donington goes into administration
  • Villeneuve working on F1 comeback
  • Whitmarsh: Money not the reason for Button move
  • Hamilton: Button arrival fantastic news
  • Button: Difficult decision to leave Brawn
  • Confirmed: Button partners Hamilton at McLaren
  • Kubica to compete in second rally

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