Ahead of today's qualifying session the air temperature is 27 degrees C, while the track temperature is 43 degrees. We don't say 'all important' qualifying session because it is widely predicted that tomorrow's race will be wet, which is going to throw a damper on whatever is achieved this afternoon.

Despite earlier predictions that there would be rain this afternoon, at this stage it appears to have bypassed the circuit, however, it is understood that tomorrow's rain will be more widespread and last a lot longer.

Mark Webber led the way in yesterday morning's session, while Lewis Hamilton did the honours in the afternoon. This morning it was Sebastian Vettel's turn, the German edging out Jenson Button. However, ignoring the weather, it was noticed that the softs on certain cars, most notably the Red Bulls, were blistering.

The world championship is decided but there is still much to fight for. While, as Ron Dennis says, 'second is the first of the losers', Mark Webber would surely love to finish second in the Drivers' Championship, particularly considering the domination his teammate has enjoyed. However, let's not forget the in-team battle at McLaren, while Fernando Alonso's performance in Abu Dhabi was typical of the Spaniard's approach to this season.

F1, as you are well aware, is all about money however, and it is the Constructors' Championship that decides who gets what prize money. The difference between finishing fourth or fifth can mean many tens of millions of dollars, hence the fierce ongoing battle between Renault and force India for fifth and Sauber and Toro Rosso for seventh. Then again let's not forget the tussle between Lotus, HRT and Virgin for tenth.

Finally, let's not forget that a number of drivers have yet to secure seats for next season - including veteran Rubens Barrichello - therefore this a final chance, under race conditions, to set out their stall.

In just a few minutes the skies have darkened in the distance, consequently, we could see all the drivers come out much earlier than normal just in case.

Trulli leads the way, followed by Kovalainen, Buemi and Glock. Hamilton is one of the first out, as Alonso watches from the comfort of his car in the Ferrari garage.

As the Lotus begin their first flying laps, Alonso, Massa, Schumacher and Ricciardo are the only drivers not yet on track.

Trulli crosses the line at 16.940 as Ricciardo and Schumacher head down the pitlane, with Alonso following shortly after.

Hamilton goes quickest with a 13.876 with teammate Button posting 14.029 to go second. Buemi - sixth with a 15.639 - appears to be the only driver on softs. Certainly in terms of the more competitive teams.

As Massa leave the pits, Webber splits the McLarens with a 13.904 and di Resta posts a 14.692 to go fifth.

Vettel goes quickest with a 13.687 immediately locking up going into the first corner. Elsewhere, Buemi spins.

Having gone fifth on his first lap (13.986), Alonso backs off in order to give himself some clear air for his next flying lap. Hamilton goes second with a 13.817.

Replay shows Schumacher really struggling with the Mercedes in Turn 10, teammate Rosberg goes seventh (14.265). Despite his problems, Schumacher goes eighth (14.432).

A 13.467 sees Webber go quickest however, this is almost instantly beaten by Button who bangs in a 13.281.

All the usual suspects in the danger zone with the Williams duo just above. The Saubers and Toro Rossos are also looking none too safe, certainly as far as Q2 is concerned.

A massive lock-up for Alonso, the Spaniard now fifth, ahead of Sutil, Rosberg, Massa, Schumacher and di Resta.

Despite a Herculean effort, Kovalainen is unable to close the gap to Williams, who, at this stage, look likely to lose at least one driver. However, teammate Trulli posts 14.409 to go seventeenth, leapfrogging both Williams drivers in the process.

Senna goes tenth (14.458) as more and more drivers switch to the softs. Not Button, Webber and Vettel however, who remain in their garages.

With 4:11 on the clock, eleventh placed Massa is still in his garage. The Ferrari star drops to twelfth when Barrichello improves to ninth. A brilliant effort from the Brazilian veteran.