British driver topped both of Friday's practice sessions at Yas Marina
Monday 28 November 2016 11:21, UK
Lewis Hamilton has warned he can go even quicker after the Mercedes driver topped both of Friday's practice sessions.
The British driver was fourth tenths ahead of team-mate and title rival Nico Rosberg in first practice, but the gap was less than a tenth in the day's second session.
Hamilton needs to overhaul a 12-point deficit to Rosberg in the standings to become a four-time world champion and knows the best chance he has of doing that is by starting from pole and winning the race.
"That's the goal, the car feels great so it is just about doing the lap," Hamilton told Sky Sports F1.
"I think I have more time in it. So that's the plan."
However, Rosberg only needs a podium finish to guarantee the title no matter where Hamilton finishes. Therefore Hamilton needs other teams to get ahead of his team-mate.
And while the Briton said he had "no idea where Red Bull are, we've been focussing on ourselves", Rosberg was more wary.
"Red Bull are close, but also Ferrari were quick on one lap so it is difficult to say who will be the closest rival," said the German.
And Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo is confident of qualifying third and then taking the fight to Mercedes in the race.
"If we put it all together tomorrow, we are more or less there," the Australian told Sky Sports News HQ.
"Mercedes, as expected, are ahead but I don't think they're miles ahead. So maybe we can still race them on Sunday."
