(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Title race goes down to wire in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi — As the Formula One drivers title goes down the wire with Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg battling it out to be crowned champion leader Hamilton is in sight of a second world title.
But the Briton is treating the path as his first. Hamilton had won the title in 2008 and is now locked with Rosberg as they head to the final race of the season the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosbergin title tussle. Getty Images
“People talk about how long it’s been since I won the title but I honestly feel like I’m fighting for my first world championship all over again” Hamilton said ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“Sure I’m older and maybe a little bit wiser than I was back then. I’ve learnt a lot in the years since 2008 but I’m still the same driver. I still have the same hunger the same will to win and I’ve been giving it everything I’ve got from the word go this season. I’ve had ups and downs along the way — but I’ve never once given up. I’ve managed to fight my way back from whatever has come my way and my approach doesn’t change for this race” he added.
Hamilton has 334 points and leads Rosberg by 17 points. With double points on offer in Abu Dhabi things could get interesting and the 29-year-old is hoping bad luck doesn’t follow him this time around.
“I’ve got a good record at the Abu Dhabi circuit. Last year was actually the only time I’ve not started on the front row or finished on the podium. But I’ve also had some misfortune there over the years — particularly in 2012. I’m hoping that bad luck won’t play a part this time around and I know that the team has been working flat out to make sure it doesn’t. I’m feeling relaxed I’m feeling confident and I’m ready to win” said Hamilton.
Meanwhile Rosberg who had qualified third and finished third in Abu Dhabi last year believes he still has a chance to win the title despite the permutations and combinations. “After the disappointment of Austin Brazil was just the way to bounce back with a great weekend for both me and the team. I felt in control from the very beginning and it was a big positive to take the lessons from Texas and put them into action. Of course it wasn’t enough to regain the lead in the championship as Lewis drove a strong race to finish just behind me. But the gap is smaller than before and I absolutely believe I still have the chance to take the title in Abu Dhabi” said Rosberg.
“It won’t be easy but I’ll be full attack just as I have been all season. Although this has been my first year fighting for a world championship I’ve never felt more comfortable than I have done this year. The team behind us have done an incredible job and it’s great that they’ve given both of us equal opportunity to compete with each other. There have been difficult moments just as there have been amazing moments — but this is what Formula One is all about and I hope that everyone watching at home has enjoyed the story of this battle as much as I have” added the German.
And he is proud of what he has achieved irrespective of the result on Sunday. “Win or lose double points or no double points I feel proud of what I have achieved this year and especially proud to have been a part of this fantastic season for the Silver Arrows. I go into this race with no fear and with every belief that this can be my title. It’s not over until that flag drops!” Rosberg said.
TITLE TUSSLE
The following are the permutations that could hand the title to either of the two contenders. Points are normally awarded 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 but in Abu Dhabi this will be 50-36-30-24-20-16-12-8-4-2.
Britain’s Hamilton currently has 334 points to his German team mate’s 317.
HAMILTON WILL BE CHAMPION IF HE FINISHES...
• First or second.
• Third fourth or fifth and Rosberg fails to win.
• Sixth with Rosberg not in the top two.
• Seventh or eighth with Rosberg out of the top three.
• Ninth and Rosberg is not in the top four.
• Tenth (or lower) and Rosberg is no higher than sixth.
ROSBERG WILL BE CHAMPION IF...
• He wins and Hamilton is not second.
• He finishes second and Hamilton is not in the top five.
• He is third and Hamilton is out of the top six.
• He is fourth and Hamilton is no higher than ninth.
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