Sunday's Japanese grand prix hammered the final nail into the coffin of reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen's title defence.

The Finn's third place finish was his first podium appearance since June's Magny Cours round, but he nonetheless slipped an insurmountable 21 points behind the championship leader with just two races to go.

Also officially out of the running are BMW-Sauber's Nick Heidfeld and leader Lewis Hamilton's McLaren teammate Heikki Kovalainen.

Singapore and Fuji winner Fernando Alonso, meanwhile, could go on to win the last two races of the season while Hamilton fails to finish, but would still fall 16 points short of a third drivers' title.

Joining Hamilton and Felipe Massa in with a mathematical chance of the title, however, is BMW's Robert Kubica, who collected 8 points at Fuji while his championship rivals faltered.

"We are still in the fight, so let's try," said the Pole, who openly acknowledges that his car is not a match for the two top teams despite his mere 12 point deficit to Hamilton.

"I think Kimi showed last year that everything is possible and I hope we can find a few tenths which will help me in the battle," the 23-year-old added.

Source: GMM