Lewis Hamilton Fastest In Abu Dhabi Practice

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are set to go head-to-head in Abu Dhabi this Sunday, to decide the Formula One drivers' championship. Early signs for Hamilton are good, after he set the best time in practice.

Lewis Hamilton was faster than his Formula One title rival Nico Rosberg in both practice sessions on Friday for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.



The British driver posted a best lap of 1 minute, 42.113 seconds in the second practice at the Yas Marina circuit to finish 0.083 seconds faster than his Mercedes teammate.



McLaren driver Kevin Magnussen of Denmark was 0.782 seconds behind in third, with Sebastian Vettel, who is leaving Red Bull to join Ferrari next year, fourth fastest.



Two-time champion Fernando Alonso - who will be driving his last race with Ferrari - stalled early on and failed to set a lap time. British driver Jenson Button, possibly preparing for his last race in F1, also had technical issues.



It was the 15th time in 19 races this year that Hamilton had been the fastest driver in second practice. There is a third practice session on Saturday before qualifying.



Hamilton vs. Rosberg showdown



Hamilton, the 2008 Formula One champion, leads Rosberg going into the Abu Dhabi race by 17 points. But with double points available in Sunday's race, the German driver can secure his maiden F1 title if he wins and Hamilton finishes third.



Without the double points, Hamilton would have only needed to finish sixth to beat his childhood friend and go-karting rival.



"He has everything to lose and I have everything to win. That can make all the difference," said Rosberg, who beat Hamilton two weeks ago in the Brazilian Grand Prix.



Hamilton won the Abu Dhabi race in 2011. But he finished seventh last year, and retired the year before after starting from pole.



"Abu Dhabi was one of his worst races last season," Rosberg said. "With the car that I have this year, I can win at every track."



al/rd (AFP, AP)