Fernando Alonso was delighted to see luck turn his way, taking advantage of Michael Schumacher's engine failure to win the Japanese Grand Prix.
Alonso has turned his attention to wrapping up the title in Brazil
The Renault driver goes into the final race in Brazil with 10-point lead over Ferrari's Schumacher, knowing just one point will seal his second world title.
"We decided this victory a long time ago. From Hungary we were ready to win and never finished the job," he said.
"So it was a beautiful surprise, so the taste of victory is even better."
Schumacher had looked set to tighten his grip on the world championship after leading for much of the race at Suzuka.
But the German's title bid was shattered in the 37th lap when he was forced to drop out with a blown engine - his first engine failure since the French Grand Prix in 2000.
I just didn't believe what I was seeing because you don't often see a mechanical problem from a Ferrari
Alonso, who started the race fifth, sped to victory and now just needs one point from the Brazilian Grand Prix on 22 October to seal his second straight title.
"I had so many problems in the last couple of races," added the 25-year-old after his first win since Montreal in June.
"I lost a tyre in Hungary, I lost an engine in Monza - sometimes I need to recover these unlucky moments.
"When I saw the problem of Michael, I was at that point leading the race and I just didn't believe what I was seeing because you don't often see a mechanical problem from a Ferrari.
"It was the biggest surprise of the race, for sure.
"In China we were the favourites and we lost the race and it was the same thing here for Ferrari. You never know, the races are very long and you have to finish them.
"Looking at the championship, these 10 points are very important.
"We all thought the championship would be decided in Brazil. We have a good advantage, so let's try to win the championship.
"We feel confident for Brazil - but we are taking nothing for granted."