Formula One 2006 saw Fernando Alonso with his Renault continuing the formidable form of the previous season, winning the Drivers' Championship for the second year consecutively. He won over Michael Schumacher of Ferrari in a closely contested season. His success went a long way in winning the manufacturers award for Renault in Formula 1 2006, again for two years on the trot.
After two seasons that featured prominent changes in the line-up both before and in between the season, 2006 started without a single change. Formula 1 2006 featured the rivalry between Alonso and Schumacher at its best. The laurels were equally distributed among the rivals with each winning seven races. However, Alonso dominated the points tally, leading Schumacher by 13 points. The circuit, predictably, was dominated by Renault and Ferrari. Schumacher started slow, but then went on to win consecutive races at Imola and Nurburgring.
Apart from these close rivalries, Formula One 06 was significant in a number of ways. It saw the introduction of the Japanese team Super Aguri F1, founded by erstwhile F1 driver Aguri Suzuki. The season started on March 12 at Bahrain with Fernando Alonso winning the day. The Belgian Grand Prix was not held because the authorities pleaded lack of preparation of the circuit. It was shifted to Rio de Jeneiro at the last moment, following an offer from the mayor of the Brazilian city.
