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Newly-crowned double world champion Sebastian Vettel drew level with Nigel Mansell in the Formula One record books yesterday when he delivered a stunning fastest lap to secure pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old German steered his Red Bull car round the Yas Marina circuit in dazzling fashion to create a dramatic finale and steal pole from Lewis Hamilton, who will start second on the grid alongside him for Sunday’s 55-laps day-night race.

It was Vettel’s 14th pole this year and the 29th of his career, in his 80th Grand Prix.

Briton Mansell reeled off his record 14 poles in a single season with the Williams team in his drivers’ title winning year of 1992.

“I wasn’t very happy with the car on Friday,” said Vettel. “We thought there was more (performance) in the car, but we couldn’t really get to it.

This afternoon was quite a bit better, but this place is tricky in many ways. You practice in day conditions when the sun is up and the track is hot. Then in qualifying, it’s getting dark and cool, so the car behaves differently.

Abu Dhabi GP
Abu Dhabi GP
Abu Dhabi GP
Abu Dhabi GP
Abu Dhabi GP