Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher of Germany covers his ears as he prepares a free practice session in Toyota pit during at the Suzuka circuit in Suzuka, central Japan, October 7, 2006, ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.[Reuters]

Schumacher, chasing an unprecedented eighth world championship before retirement, clocked a time of one minute 30.653 seconds on a bright but gusty morning at Suzuka.

World champion Alonso, level on points with the German but behind 7-6 on race wins, was fifth fastest with a best lap 1.902 seconds slower.

With two races remaining, including Sunday's showdown, Schumacher can clinch the title at the Suzuka circuit if he wins and Alonso fails to score.

Ralf Schumacher, who started on pole position last year, was second fastest for Toyota after being pipped by his older brother by 1.210 seconds just as the hour long session came to an end.

The two Schumachers were the only drivers to lap under the 1:32.00 mark.

Honda's Briton Jenson Button was third on the timesheets with Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella fourth.

After days of rain, the sun shone in a near cloudless sky -- conditions that put a smile on the face of Ferrari's Bridgestone tyre partners at their home circuit.

Schumacher has won six times while Alonso has yet to triumph at Suzuka, which is saying farewell to a Japanese grand prix. The race will be staged at Toyota-owned Fuji from next year.