At Fuji, Hamilton took pole in qualifying. Felipe Massa was his closest rival for the Championship title. Massa could only manage to qualify fifth. As the race began Kimi Räikkönen made a good start, and passed Hamilton. Hamilton ran wide at the first corner. This forced some of the drivers behind him to go off the track. Hamilton was given a drive-through penalty for his actions. On the second lap, when Hamilton tried to pass Massa at turn 10, Hamilton pulled alongside and made a move to pass him. Massa then ran wide and both cars hit. Hamilton car went into a spin. Massa was given a drive-through penalty for this move. Hamilton dropped down to last place. He managed to finish the race in 12th position, but earned no points.