Vettel claims pole for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel today equalled the Formula One record for number of pole positions in a single-season following another one-lap last-gasp masterclass from the double world champion.

Lewis Hamilton, fastest in second and third practice for tomorrow’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, appeared poised to snatch Vettel’s thunder at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Hamilton underlined his speed by going quickest in the first two qualifying sessions, and when he pipped McLaren team-mate Jenson Button by just 0.009secs in the top-10 shoot-out, pole was on for the Briton.

But not for the first time this season Vettel stole top spot on the grid at the death in his Red Bull, beating Hamilton by 0.141secs to take his 14th pole of the season, and so match Nigel Mansell’s 1992 mark.