Schumacher edges Alonso in free practice

Michael Schumacher completed the last Friday free practice session of his Formula One career by lapping quicker than Renault rival Fernando Alonso at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Schumacher, retiring after tomorrow's race at the Interlagos circuit, was sixth fastest with a lap of one minute 13.713 seconds in the afternoon session despite a spin off on to the grass.

Alonso, who has a 10-point lead in the championship and need only finish eighth to seal his second successive title, was 10th on the timesheets after setting no time in the morning.

The 25-year-old Spaniard had a precautionary engine change before the start of the day's opening session but escaped a 10 place penalty on the starting grid because he had not yet used the one originally in his car.

Schumacher also sat out the opening session, with McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen fastest in front of largely empty stands on an overcast day.