Nico Rosberg topped the times ahead of his Mercedes team-mate and world champion Lewis Hamilton in Saturday’s final free practice session ahead of this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 30-year-old German, who is seeking to complete a winning hat-trick in Sunday’s race, will bid to continue his current domination of the newly-crowned three-time champion by securing his sixth straight pole in qualifying later Saturday at the spectacular Yas Marina circuit.
Hamilton, who spun during a near-frantic effort to deliver a fastest lap, has not been on pole in any of the last six races since the Italian Grand Prix on September 6.
Rosberg clocked a best lap of one minute and 41.856 seconds to finish 0.281 seconds ahead of the Briton, whose results have faded since he clinched his third title at last month’s United States Grand Prix.
Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel was third-fastest for Ferrari ahead of Mexican Sergio Perez of Force India, Finn Kimi Raikkonen in the second Ferrari and Australian Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull.
German Nico Hulkenberg was seventh in the second Force India ahead of Brazilian Felipe Massa, his Williams team-mate Finn Valtteri Bottas and Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who was 10th for Toro Rosso.
Russian Daniil Kvyat was unable to clock a flying lap time due to electrical problems with his Red Bull car.
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