Mercedes aims to pounce in Abu Dhabi

Although Mercedes has turned most of its attention to its 2011 car, the team has also made a step up in performance with this year's machine in recent races, and has consistently been the fourth-fastest team behind the title combatants in recent races.

"Our team will not be taking anything for granted and our target is to achieve the best possible result with our current technical package," said Haug.

"As in recent races, we want to be right there if a driver in one of the currently faster cars should have a problem.

"It would be a nice reward for the team to conclude this very long and tough season, which saw everyone give their all, with a reasonable result."

Nico Rosberg agreed that while Mercedes was not really concentrating on 2010 results anymore, a strong finish to the year would be a good launch into what it will hopes be a far more competitive 2011 season.

"It was good to be back in the points in Brazil last Sunday and we hope to finish the season with another good result here before looking ahead to next season which will definitely be stronger for us," he said.