Abu Dhabi GP: Rosberg hopes pressure gets to title rival Hamilton

The German driver secured his 11th pole of the season at Yas Marina after beating Hamilton by nearly four tenths of a second, the Briton making a mistake during one of his qualifying runs in Q3.

Although second place would be enough for Hamilton to clinch the title even if Rosberg wins, the pole-sitter is still pinning his hopes on pressuring his team-mate into making another error tomorrow.

"Of course, pressure is one of the hopes I have," said Rosberg, whose victory in the previous race in Brazil was helped by Hamilton spinning while in pursuit.

"If Lewis feels the pressure and makes a mistake as a result, like today, and a bit like Brazil that is the opportunity I am looking for.

"I pushed flat out all the time to keep the level extremely high, that is what I do, and I'll try to go for the win and keep the pressure on."

Rosberg, who has just turned just three of his pole positions into victories this season, admitted that beating Hamilton to pole was not too significant.

"Of course qualifying was my strength this year, but that is not only half of it," he said.

"Sunday is what counts and that is where I have looked to improve recently, like Interlagos where I made the step and that is what I need to do tomorrow."

HAMILTON NOT DISHEARTENED

Hamilton said he was not downbeat despite not being able to challenge for pole, and the 2008 world champion insisted he is not planning to change his approach for the race.

"I am not particularly disappointed with it," he said. "Of course you always want to be on pole.

"I had good pace throughout qualifying and especially over long runs. Q1 and Q2 were good, in Q3 I didn't really put a comfortable lap together, it just wasn't a great lap.

"Nico did a great job but we are still there for the first tomorrow. I am looking forwards, I will just drive the same as I always drive."

HOW THE TITLE WILL BE WON IN ABU DHABI

Rosberg wins the title if:
* He finishes first and Hamilton does not finish second
* He finishes second and Hamilton is outside the top five
* He finishes third and Hamilton is outside the top six
* He finishes fourth and Hamilton is outside the top eight
* He finishes fifth and Hamilton is outside the top nine

Hamilton wins the title if:
* He finishes first or second
* He finishes third, fourth or fifth and Rosberg doesn't win
* He finishes sixth and Rosberg is outside the top three
* He finishes eighth and Rosberg is outside the top four
* He finish ninth or worse and Rosberg is outside the top five