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On This Day: Ralf Schumacher wins Formula Nippon title despite spinning out | Brief

Thirty years ago today, Ralf Schumacher secured the 1996 Formula Nippon championship in a dramatic finale at Fuji Speedway. Entering the season-ending race just two points ahead of his teammate Naoki Hattori, Schumacher’s title hopes appeared dashed when he spun out early in heavy rain.

With Hattori seemingly on course to claim the title, worsening conditions led to his own spin-off just seven laps from the finish, handing Schumacher the championship by default. The chaotic race saw only seven of the original 26 starters complete it, with Katsutomo Kaneishi and future Formula 1 driver Pedro de la Rosa finishing ahead of Schumacher.

Another future F1 driver, Shinji Nakano, rounded out the top four behind Masahiko Kageyama. Schumacher would go on to make his Formula 1 debut the following year with Jordan, now known as Aston Martin.

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