Saturday: McLaren and Hamilton inaugurate Abu Dhabi with a pole!

Abu Dhabi suits McLaren well, and particularly Lewis Hamilton. Unfortunate to have had to relinquish his crown to another Brit, the English prodigy was the man in form throughout the weekend. The only downside was his compatriot Jenson Button, the recent world champion, who managed to surpass Hamilton during the final practice session. Thus, the now former world champion is in 2nd position. His teammate Kovalainen finishes this session in 7th place, proving that McLaren-Mercedes is the team of this season’s end, alongside Ferrari or Toyota.

At the end of a qualifying session that concluded in the twilight, it was a Silver Arrow, Lewis Hamilton’s, that finished in first place and took Pole Position, ahead of the Red Bull drivers. Heikki Kovalainen, who might be racing his last Grand Prix under the gray colors, had a gearbox problem in Q2, which forced him, on the one hand, to abandon the qualifications, but on the other hand, he received a 5-place penalty for changing his gearbox. The Finn ranked 18th.

A battle between Ferrari and McLaren is expected to take place for the 3rd place in the constructors’ championship. McLaren holds a one-point advantage over the Reds.

Lewis Hamilton – 2nd and 1st:

My qualifying lap wasn’t too aggressive. I was very calm, and it got better and better on the track. The KERS and the engine have been fantastic throughout the season – and today, it was the same – but it’s the chassis that’s truly extraordinary. We brought an absolutely perfect package this weekend. What’s even more encouraging is that the work done will help us for next season. If we manage to win tomorrow, it would be ideal to end the 2009 season and ideal to start the 2010 season. I just want to do my job tomorrow and win.

Heikki Kovalainen – 6th and 18th (13th time – 5-place penalty):

What a disappointing result for the qualifiers. I got stuck in second gear during Q2, and that was it. I had already experienced minor gearbox issues during Friday’s practice, but in qualifying, it’s very frustrating, especially when we have the car to get into Q3. Nevertheless, I’m focusing on the positives: the balance of my car has been good throughout the weekend, and it’s very enjoyable to drive on this fantastic circuit. I can guarantee that I will give it my all tomorrow, and I’ll fight from the first lap to the last.

Martin Whitmarsh – Team Principal:

Lewis [Hamilton] put in a brilliant performance, demonstrating prodigious speed to secure pole position by dominating the Abu Dhabi circuit this evening. We have been aggressive in terms of fuel strategy, but we have certainly been more aggressive this year, so there is no doubt that Lewis’s pace will not be the same as in practice. Heikki too should have been among the top if he hadn’t had a gearbox problem, but I’m sure he will attack like never before tomorrow from his position. Tomorrow’s race will be very arduous for the drivers and team members – hot and tiring – but we want to finish the season on a high note by hoping for the victory to secure third place in the World Constructors’ Championship.