Schumacher pips Alonso in final Chinese GP practice

SHANGHAI, Sept 30 (Reuters) Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and Renault's Fernando Alonso pursued a private duel at the top of the timesheets in final Chinese Grand Prix practice today.

Schumacher was the quickest, 0.172 seconds ahead of champion Alonso, on a damp track after morning drizzle at an overcast circuit.

The seven-times world champion lags the 25-year-old Spaniard by two points with two races remaining after Sunday's showdown in Shanghai.

Briton Jenson Button, a first time winner for Honda in Hungary last month, followed the title contenders with the third best time.

The two V10-powered Toro Rossos of Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi and American Scott Speed were a surprising fourth and fifth.

McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen, Schumacher's replacement at Ferrari next year, spun twice towards the end of the session and failed to set a timed lap.

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