The 2007 Formula One World Championship has thrown up more than its fair share of headlines for one season, but the final and most important chapter will be written this weekend in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
The stage is set for a three-way showdown at the Interlagos circuit, one of only two tracks on the Grand Prix calendar that is anti-clockwise. This means there are more left corners than right, putting extra strain on drivers' necks. Since the last race in China, Williams driver Alexander Wurz announced his retirement from racing with immediate effect. The team has drafted in their test driver, Kazuki Nakajima, to replace the 33 year-old in Brazil.
McLaren's turbulent season has seen them get back to winning form despite battling ongoing controversies. Renault's 2006 world champion, Fernando Alonso, and rookie Lewis Hamilton have each collected four race victories in 2007.
Ferrari, meanwhile, have their hopes pinned on Kimi Raikkonen, who has won the most races of anyone this season (5).
The 28 year-old Finn is an outside chance for his maiden world title, having previously finished runner-up on two occasions in 2003 and 2005.
It is the first time since 1986 that three drivers are going into the final race of a season with a chance of clinching the world championship.
Hamilton sits on top of the standings with 107 points, with team-mate Alonso on 103 and Raikkonen on 100.
There are many outcomes that are possible in Brazil. If, for instance, Alonso wins and Hamilton finishes third, then they will be equal on points. However, Alonso would be world champion due to his greater number of victories.
If 26 year-old Alonso wins, he will become the first driver since the great Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s to win titles in consecutive years with different teams.
And if Lewis Hamilton wins, he will become the first rookie to take the title since1950; the first year of the world championship.
Hamilton has been stunning in his first season in Formula One racing. The 22 year-old has led the title chase since round six, and has demonstrated composure and maturity beyond his years. Can he hold on for 71 more laps in Sao Paolo?
Feeds