As the cars race into the sunset this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the sun will also set on the 2016 Formula 1 season as this is its final race. Abu Dhabi is a unique Grand Prix not only because the Yas Marina circuit is run counterclockwise but also because the race will occur from sunset into darkness, natural light into artificial light.
McLaren Honda enter the weekend with their heads held high as they’ve moved up the pecking order this year on their own merit, thanks to the hard work by both sides of the partnership. The team expects they can put both cars in the points despite the circuit not suiting the package particularly well. Additionally, this will be Jenson Button’s 305th Formula 1 Grand Prix start is likely to be the last of his long career.
Elsewhere on the grid, it all comes down to this for Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton with the former likely to take the WDC crown but with an upset from the latter still being a possibility. It is clear at this point that Red Bull is next in the pecking order and some of Lewis Hamilton’s WDC hope will surely be in the pair of Ricciardo and Verstappen. Ferrari also expects to have a look at the final podium spot with Force India hot on their tails.
US TV TIMES
Practice 1: Friday November 25th, 4:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Practice 2: Friday November 25th, 8:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Practice 3: Friday November 26th, 5:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Qualifying: Saturday November 26th, 8:00AM
EST
,
CNBC
Race: Sunday November 27th, 7:30AM
EST
,
NBCSN
(To be confirmed)
CIRCUIT
INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 5.554km (3.451 miles)
Race laps: 55
Race distance: 305.355km (189.739 miles)
Pole position: Right-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’40.279 (199.388 kph) by Sebastian Vettel, 2009
Fastest lap: 1’38.434 (203.125 kph) by Lewis Hamilton, 2011
Maximum speed: 320kph (198.839 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Two straights
Distance from grid to turn one: 300m
Car performance
Full throttle: 59%
Longest flat-out section: 1233m
Downforce level: High
Gear changes per lap: 68
Fuel use per lap: 1.8kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.054s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop in 2013: 21.175s by Red Bull (see full list)
2016 prime tyre: Soft & Super-soft (2015: Soft)
2016 option tyre: Ultra-soft (2015: Super-soft)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2015 (V6
TURBO
ERA
) RESULTS
Race Info.
Pole: Nico Rosberg – 1:40.237
Race laps: 55
Fast race lap: Lewis Hamilton – 1:44.517
Podium
1. Nico Rosberg – Mercedes
2. Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes
3. Kimi Raikkonen – Ferrari
CURRENT
STANDINGS:
Drivers:
1. Nico Rosberg, 367
2. Lewis Hamilton, 355
3. Daniel Ricciardo, 246
4. Sebastian Vettel, 197
5. Max Verstappen, 192
Constructors:
1. Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 722
2. Red Bull Racing, 446
3. Scuderia Ferrari, 375
4. Sahara Force India, 163
5. Williams Martini Racing, 136
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