Schumacher suffers puncture setback

SAO PAULO, Oct 22 (Reuters) Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, needing to win to have any hope of an eighth title, dropped back to last place in his final Formula One race today after picking up a puncture in the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The German started 10th after a fuel pressure problem in yesterday's qualifying and had just overtaken Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella for fifth place on lap nine at Interlagos when his car wobbled.

It was not clear whether the Ferrari and Renault touched but Fisichella regained fifth behind defending champion and team mate Fernando Alonso while Schumacher limped back to the pits for a new rear left tyre.

After 22 of the 71 laps, Schumacher was 17th and last with both the Toyotas and Williams out of the race as well as Red Bull's David Coulthard.

Alonso needs just one point to retain the title he won in Brazil last year and become Formula One's youngest double champion at the age of 25.

Reuters AB DB2329