4. Alonso’s 130R pass on Schumacher – 2005
There is one stand out corner at Suzuka in particular. Like Eau Rouge at Spa, it is the corner all the drivers and fans talk about. 130R.
Despite its underwhelming name, it is a fearsome corner, and one that has caught out many big names over the year. It was the corner where Allan McNish had his massive crash during qualifying in 2002 – his car punching a hole through the crash barriers. It was therefore not a place many regarded as an overtaking opportunity, but that all changed in 2005.
The Spaniard found himself stuck in seventh place, behind the considerably slower Ferrari of Michael Schumacher, in the opening stages of the race. But the place he could only really get close to have a chance of overtaking was on the run up to 130R. So, after several attempts, Alonso did the unthinkable on lap nineteen. He passed Schumacher – the seven times World Champion – around the outside of the terrifyingly quick 130R corner at 180mph.
It was a breathtaking move, and one that will probably go down as one of the sport’s all time greatest overtakes. It was also the moment many believed that Schumacher had lost the mantle he had held for years – best driver on the grid – to Alonso.
