However, it is Rosberg who will start the race in pole position after he just managed to edge out his teammate during today’s qualifying session. Rosberg’s time in Q3 was a 1:40.480, with Hamilton setting a 1:40.866. Starting behind them will be the two Williams drivers Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa in third and fourth spots respectively.
With double points on offer, for Rosberg to win the title he’ll need to come first and Hamilton finish third or lower. However, considering Hamilton’s performance this season (he’s won 10 rounds versus Rosberg’s five), Rosberg is going to need nothing short of a miracle to come out on top.
Qualifying fifth was Infiniti Red Bull Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo, with his teammate Sebastian Vettel sixth fastest. Sunday’s race will be Vettel’s last at Red Bull, the squad where he won his four world championships, as he’s confirmed to be driving for Ferrari next season.
Vettel’s replacement at Red Bull, Daniil Kvyat, was seventh fastest today in his Toro Rosso. McLaren’s Jenson Button was eighth fastest, and then it was the two Ferrari men Kimi Räikkönen and Fernando Alonso ninth and tenth fastest respectively.
Going into tomorrow’s championship deciding race, Lewis Hamilton sits on 334 points, with Nico Rosberg on 317 and Daniel Ricciardo on 214. In the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes AMG has an unbeatable 651 points while Red Bull has 373 and Williams 254.
We hope you enjoy the race, and don't forget to tune in on Monday for our full results coverage.
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