Hamilton fastest in first Abu Dhabi GP practice

Hamilton seemed to have the pace to go fastest of all – he had set the fastest first-sector time on his first lap on the super-soft tyres that will be used in qualifying only to run wide over the kerbs at Turn Six.

All of this, however, may just be part of a psychological battle between him and Rosberg as the champion attempts to re-boot his motivation after clinching his third championship at last month’s US Grand Prix.

Abu Dhabi: Formula One’s engine manufacturers met Saturday to discuss ways of reducing costs for teams and head off the threat of the sport introducing a cheap independent engine.

It was Rosberg who set the initial pace with 1m 44.626s, as Hamilton worked down to 1m 45.949s in between asking questions about his rear wing setting, seating position and steering wheel.

Rosbergs British teammate Lewis Hamilton, who secured the F1 World Championship title for the second season in a row, was the fastest in the first free practice, but was ranked second in the second practice.

Away from the track, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner earlier confirmed his team would remain on the Formula One grid next year after agreeing an engine deal.

As the last event on the calendar Abu Dhabi has seen its fair share of drama since 2009, with the second race at the track hosting a thrilling title decider.

“I made some changes to the auto between the sessions and so far it’s felt relatively good. Might make some more tweaks tonight and hopefully tomorrow it is better”, he said.

Daniil Kvyat was sixth for Red Bull in second practice ahead of Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, the Force India of Nico Hulkenberg and McLaren’s Fernando Alonso, with Pastor Maldonado in the Lotus completing the top 10. It’s very hard to overtake here, so of course it’s better to be up on pole. “Anything positive we can take from this weekend will help us start our next chapter together with even more energy”.

“There are always small bits and pieces where I’m always trying to get them to change some stuff which I feel could be beneficial”.

“I think starting in the sun and ending in the dark is pretty cool”.