Hamilton on pole
Lewis Hamilton lit up the new Yas Marina circuit as the sun set on the final qualifying session of the 2009 Formula One season.
Against the stunning backdrop of the Middle East's new £800million motor sport playground, last year's world champion was quickest at the end of every period ahead of Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
McLaren star Hamilton ultimately grabbed the 17th pole of his career in dominant fashion, finishing almost 0.7 seconds ahead of Sebastian Vettel as the Red Bull driver aims to cement second place in the drivers' standings.
Hopes of an all-British front row for the first time since the 1995 Australian Grand Prix came to nothing as new world champion Jenson Button will start fifth in his Brawn GP.
Mark Webber, winner of the Brazilian Grand Prix a fortnight ago, ensured Hamilton will be pushed by Red Bull at the start of the 55-lap race as the Australian claimed third.
Rubens Barrichello again pipped team-mate Button for the 10th time this season as the Brazilian, in what many believe is his last race for Brawn, starts fourth.
Toyota's Jarno Trulli and BMW Sauber duo Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld are sixth, seventh and eighth, with Nico Rosberg in his Williams ninth and Sebastien Buemi 10th for Toro Rosso.
