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20 rounds of drama, suspense and an intense rivalry has now brought us to the end of the 2016 Formula One world championship. Join The Roar for a live blog of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 12 midnight (AEDT).
Nico Rosberg will duke it out with his Mercedes AMG teammate Lewis Hamilton under the lights of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to determine who will be crowned world champion.
The equation is simple for Rosberg. Finish anywhere on the podium, and even if Hamilton wins the race he will be the title victor – courtesy of his 12-point advantage.
For the reigning world champion, the situation appears more difficult, as he’d require for the German to encounter some kind of hardship and finish lower in the order.
The battleground to decide the title for the second time since 2014, will be the Yas Marina Circuit – a 5.5km behemoth with a very technical layout.
Overtaking is scarce at this venue, however the two long back straights which represent the DRS zones are both prime locations to have a go.
Both rivals have even opted for an equal amount of tyre sets also being; four sets of softs, two supersofts and seven of the ultrasofts.
Hamilton so far has carried over his imperious form from the previous three races, having mightily claimed a twelfth pole position of the season for the final race.
Three-tenths separated the Briton from his teammate, who’ll line up on the front-row also – making the start one to watch.
Red Bull have taken the gamble with both drivers to start the race on the supersoft tyre, instead of ultrasoft – having set their fastest Q2 times with the red marked compound.
Daniel Ricciardo will line up third and is best placed to have a shot at the Silver Arrows at the start. Max Verstappen made a rare error in Q3 to only be sixth fastest.
The Ferraris from fourth and fifth also have the opportunity to have an impact on the race, being the fast starters they are.
Soon to be retirees Felipe Massa and Jenson Button will line up tenth and twelfth respectively. Both drivers within that mid-field, which should produce some quality racing as always.
Reliability will be in the back of everyone’s minds also, none more so than the title protagonists.
2014’s heartbreak for Rosberg will still be fresh and with power-unit components nearing the end of their lives – there could be a shakeup on that front.
Join me on The Roar from 12 midnight (AEDT) for live blog coverage of the championship finale, as we get set to crown the 2016 world champion.
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