Summary

  • Hamilton on pole for decider, Rosberg 2nd, Ricciardo 3rd

  • Top three finish on Sunday will secure Rosberg the title

Live Reporting

Gary Rose

  1. Lewis Hamilton starts his first lap in Q2. He'll be the first to cross the line and set the pace. Let's see what he can do.

  2. Allan McNish
    BBC Radio 5 live Formula 1 analyst

    At this point, one slip up can be very costly.

  3. Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen and Nico Rosberg head on out. All are on ultra-softs.

  4. Allan McNish
    BBC Radio 5 live Formula 1 analyst

    I'm of the opinion that you just keep on fighting right to the bitter end.

  5. Second qualifying starts

    On we go and now it's the battle to get into the top 10.

    Fifteen minutes of Q2 is under way. 

  6. Allan McNish
    BBC Radio 5 live Formula 1 analyst

    The gap back to Ferrari is something we've seen before. Nico has a bit of work to do in fifth but he's got the potential to do it.

  7. Jennie Gow
    BBC Radio 5 live pit-lane reporter

    If it just happened to end this way and Hamilton was way ahead of Rosberg then that would be perfect for Hamilton - and the fans.

  8. Hmmm. Any chance Nico Rosberg could be playing Lewis Hamilton at his own game with a bit of mind games?

    The admission of a couple of mistakes, a poor time compared to Hamilton. Lulling his team-mate into a false sense of security before turning it on in Q3?

  9. IN

    1) Hamilton 2) Raikkonen 3) Vettel 4) Verstappen 5) Rosberg 6) Perez 7) Hulkenberg 8) Ricciardo 9) Massa 10) Button 

    11) Bottas 12) Grosjean 13) Alonso 14) Gutierrez 15) Palmer 16) Wehrlein

  10. Jack Nicholls
    Radio 5 live Formula 1 commentator

    No real huge shocks in that one. Kevin Magnussen will be the most frustrated out of those drivers.

    MagnussenAP

  11. OUT

    17) Kvyat 18) Magnussen 19) Nasr 20) Ocon 21) Sainz 22) Ericsson

  12. Both Toro Rossos out as a difficult weekend continues.

  13. chequered flag

    Chequered flag

    Lewis Hamilton finishes quickest in the first part of qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

  14. Jack Nicholls
    Radio 5 live Formula 1 commentator

    Good lap from Jenson Button, that should see him safely through.

  15. Get involved

    #bbcf1

    Jeremiah:@BBCF1 The beautiful sunset and sparks from the cars adding to the evening beauty! #Quali#Q1#BBCF1#AbuDhabiGP#SeasonFinale

    Phil:#bbcf1 Lewis making a statement of intent in Q1.

    Nick: Hamilton fans can question a Rosberg title all they want but remember 2008, Massa had more wins & worse luck/reliability #bbcf1#AbuDhabiGP

  16. ... and he jumps up to ninth. Comfortably through.

  17. First qualifying ends

    Personal bests in the first and middle sectors for Jenson Button as the first part of qualifying comes to an end. He's currently 14th...

  18. Jack Nicholls
    Radio 5 live Formula 1 commentator

    I think Lewis Hamilton can be very very satisfied by that first run.

    HamiltonGetty Images

  19. As Jack predicted, the top nine pit and are done for Q1. Everyone from 10th and below are out on the track with one minute left.

  20. Jack Nicholls
    Radio 5 live Formula 1 commentator

    I would suspect the top nine are probably done.