Nico Rosberg takes pole ahead of Lewis Hamilton who slips up
German driver puts in a fine time in third qualifying session to lock up top spot in season finale with title rival and championship leader dominating the first two sessions
Nico Rosberg edged out title rival Lewis Hamilton by the slimmest of margins yesterday to take pole position for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the two will fight for the Formula One world championship.
Hamilton was quicker than Rosberg in the first two qualifying sessions, but the German driver set the pace in the third. Hamilton almost went off track as his brakes locked heading into the final corner.
Like the F1 season itself, this weekend has been close between the Mercedes teammates, and Hamilton could not quite find enough speed on his last run to prevent Rosberg clinching his 15th career pole.
I didn't have the best of laps. But tomorrow's the crucial day ... Nico did a great job
Rosberg set a leading time of one minute, 40.48 seconds, with Hamilton clocking 1:40.866 and Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas third, ahead of his Williams teammate Felipe Massa. Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo finished fifth ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel.
"It's all worked out well. But, of course, it's only one small step. This weekend is about the championship, not pole position," Rosberg said. "It would have been great if there had been a Williams between us, but that could happen tomorrow."
Hamilton leads Rosberg by 17 points overall with double points on offer in today's race, meaning a win is worth 50. Victory will be enough for Rosberg if Hamilton finishes third at the Yas Marina circuit.
It's only one small step. This weekend is about the championship, not pole position
Although Hamilton leads Rosberg 10-5 in race wins, the German driver is up 11-7 in pole positions this season, including four of the past five races.
