THE high stakes involved in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix will make the duel between Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher a "fireworks" spectacular, according to David Coulthard.

Schumacher is chasing an eighth Formula One world title, but to achieve his goal the German must win the final race of the season with Enstone-based Renault F1 team driver Alonso finishing outside the points.

Alonso holds a ten-point lead at the top of the championship over Schumacher, who will retire after the race.

Red Bull driver Coulthard said: "In sport anything can happen, and in motorsport in particular - where it's not just down to the individuals driving the cars - you need the engines to be reliable, the pit crews to do a successful tyre change at the pit stop.

"A lot of things can happen during that Grand Prix and I think it will be a very exciting end to the season."

In previous years Schumacher has collided with Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve in championship-settling races, however the Ferrari driver cannot afford anything other than a clean drive on Sunday if he is to overcome his 25-year-old Renault rival.

Coulthard said: "Going to the wire with Jacques Villeneuve and Damon Hill he clashed in those final races so I think that we can probably expect a little bit of fireworks this weekend in Brazil between him and Alonso - Michael needs to win."