The 1995 Japanese Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race held on October 29, 1995 at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka. It was the sixteenth and penultimate round of the 1995 Formula One season. The race, contested over 53 laps, was won by Michael Schumacher for the Benetton team (pictured) after he started from pole position. Mika Häkkinen finished second in a McLaren, and Johnny Herbert third in the other Benetton car. Jean Alesi, driving for Ferrari, started second alongside Schumacher. However, Alesi was forced to serve a 10-second stop-and-go penalty because his car moved forward before the start. Alesi climbed back up to second, before retiring on lap 25. Schumacher's rival in the Drivers' Championship, Damon Hill, started fourth amidst pressure from the British media after poor performances at previous races. Hill moved up to second because of Alesi's retirement, but spun off the circuit on lap 40. Schumacher's win was his ninth of the season, matching Nigel Mansell's record for victories in a season that was set in 1992. Benetton were confirmed Constructors' Champions as Williams could not pass Benetton's points total in the one remaining race.
