Rosberg ahead of Hamilton in final practice at Abu Dhabi GP

Nico Rosberg ended second practice for Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on top of the timesheets after edging out Lewis Hamilton.

Nico Rosberg has taken pole position at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina, out-qualifying Lewis Hamilton for the sixth time in a row.

Mexican Sergio Perez was fourth for Force India ahead of Australian Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, Finn Valtteri Bottas of Williams, German Nico Hulkenberg of Force India and Brazilian Felipe Massa in the second Williams.

The German posted the fastest time in Friday’s practice ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton.

“It wasn’t and obviously it was quite costly, but we know what happened and now we have to start the race from further back”.

Rosberg feared his final race of the season would be compromised after running an older engine than his championship-winning team-mate.

“I just would like to win the race because it would be a great way to end the season”.

“So, there is still an opportunity – even it is particularly hard to follow through the first sector”.

“The race pace doesn’t feel very good at the moment but it always changes when I get to the actual race”.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was third fastest, 0.281secs behind Rosberg but only 0.048secs off Hamilton’s time.

“The auto has been handling pretty well all weekend”, said Raikkonen, who chose to wear sunglasses on the podium despite it being after nightfall. He goes into tomorrow’s race gunning for an elusive 44th victory in a vehicle bearing the number 44, coincidentally on the same weekend that the United Arab Emirates is celebrating its 44th year since its founding. “It is what it is and I just have to make the most of it”. That would be awesome, to all have a good time together.

Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz Jr. was the main casualty of the session, with his auto losing power suddenly and forcing him to park it at the hairpin bend early in the session, costing the team much-needed preparatory work.

McLaren’s season may well still be a disaster, but it may end on a bright note as Jenson Button impresses with a 12th-place starting position.

Lotus’s Romain Grosjean, who is moving to Haas next season, qualified 15th after pulling over during the second phase with gear change problems.

“As a team we didn’t do the right decision today and that has a big outcome”.