Lewis Hamilton, the role model.

OYAMA, Japan (AP):

Fernando Alonso won yesterday's Japanese Grand Prix for a victory that was almost a sideshow to a breathless race that provided another twist in the title fight.

While the rejuvenated Spaniard made it back-to-back wins in his Renault, the race's history of season-defining collisions between title rivals gained a new chapter when Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa tangled in a dramatic opening two laps.

Pit drive-through penalties

Both leading drivers received pit drive-through penalties before Hamilton finished out of the points for McLaren and Massa came in seventh following a post-race stewards' decision that elevated him from eighth.

That meant Hamilton's championship lead was cut from seven to five points with two races remaining. BMW's Robert Kubica, who finished second yesterday, continued to sneak up on the pair and is now only 12 points off the lead.

The drama began from the green light. Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen - starting second on the grid - got the better of pole-sitter Hamilton and was set to get through the opening corner first.