Alonso happy if Hamilton stays in front

Alonso is well aware that if Mark Webber leads home a Red Bull Racing 1-2 at the Yas Marina on Sunday, there will be nothing he can do to stop the Australian taking the drivers' championship.

However, if Hamilton can keep himself at the top of the timesheets throughout qualifying and then win the race ahead of Webber and Vettel, then Alonso would only need to finish fifth to still take the title.

That is why Alonso seemed far from unhappy with his form during Friday practice - and especially that it was Hamilton who appeared to have an edge.

"I don't really care where Lewis is in the times table," said the Spaniard. "For us it was a good Friday because we managed to do a lot of laps and do some set-up possibilities that we need to analyse.

"Overall, it was a good Friday in terms of time on the track, but in terms of how competitive we are and how other people are we know that Fridays are not very competitive.

"For sure Red Bull are still favourites and hopefully McLaren can do a good job here and be on pole - but I guess Red Bull were not 100 per cent."

Although Red Bull has been the fastest team for the past few events, Alonso still thinks fortune will play a big role in the outcome of the title.

"Competitiveness of the car will be quite the key, but luck is also a big factor in F1 to decide a championship," he said. "Overall, if you are quick you can be on the podium. Hopefully we are competitive in qualifying and in the race."