Panasonic Toyota Racing's hopes of a competitive end to the 2006 Formula 1 World Championship evaporated at the Brazilian Grand Prix when Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher both suffered suspension problems when running strongly at the front of the pack.

Trulli converted his third position on the grid and was hounding second place man Kimi Raikkonen after a Safety Car period for an accident to Nico Rosberg's Williams.

"The central element of the rear suspension failed," Trulli explained. "Suddenly the car had no rear body control and it was a big shame because I was attacking Raikkonen, the car felt good and we were fuelled for a long first stint. We were definitely looking at a strong podium finish today. It was similar to the problem we had at Indianapolis and frustrating when you have a podium in your sights and when everyone in the team has worked so hard."

Team mate Schumacher experienced exactly the same sensations after the end of the safety car period, when tyre pressures drop and the cars run lower on the circuit.

"What a tough way to finish a hard season," Ralf said. "The car was impossible to drive in that condition and from a safety point of view there was no option but to retire. That was the hardest possible way to finish the season. There is no doubt that we were very strong today and I am sure we could have overhauled BMW in the Constructors championship. But, it was not to be and I'd like to thank everyone in Cologne and Japan for all their hard work. We must now focus our efforts on next year."

Brazilian Ferrari driver Felipe Massa scored an emotional home win in front of his ecstatic home supporters, while second place was enough to clinch back-to-back world championship titles for Fernando Alonso and Mild Seven Renault. Jenson Button completed the podium after a strong drive through from 14th place on the grid.

Michael Schumacher's hopes of an eighth world title in his final race disappeared when he suffered a punctured rear tyre early on. He stormed through the field to finish his 248th and last GP in fourth position, ahead of Kimi Raikkonen's McLaren Mercedes, Giancarlo Fisichella's Renault and home hero Rubens Barrichello in the second Honda. The final point was claimed by Pedro de la Rosa's McLaren.

Panasonic Toyota Racing's Senior General Manager, Chassis, Pascal Vasselon explained: "It's hard to express how disappointed we feel. Jarno's third position was very representative because we were fuelled to laps 23 and 24. When you extrapolate what happened to those cars around us, we could clearly have been challenging for second place. We don't know why the failures occurred. Interlagos is a very bumpy circuit but we obviously knew that and had prepared for it. It is only our second double retirement of the season but, following right after Suzuka, a sad way to finish the season. But we will be back next year, more determined than ever."