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 The number 44, the one the Briton has on his Mercedes, figures
prominently on roadside illuminations as the United Arab Emirates
celebrates the 44th anniversary of its founding on Dec. 2, 1971.
The return to Yas Marina will also bring back fond memories for the
30-year-old who clinched his second title by winning at the circuit
last season and can take his 50th career pole position this weekend.
"Last year, this place brought probably the most intense weekend of
my life. I didn't sleep much through nerves and not knowing what was
ahead," the race favorite recalled.
"But this time around there's no pressure, so I'll be well-rested
and aiming to go out on a high.
"A lot of British fans come out to Abu Dhabi so it's like another
home crowd for me. To win for them and show how grateful I am for
the fantastic support I've had all year would be the best way to end
an incredible season," he added.
Another win would also be his 11th of the season, matching his 2014
tally.
For Mercedes, regardless of who wins, a 12th one-two finish from 19
races would also be the icing on the cake by breaking their own
record set last year.
With first and second assured in the championship for the second
year in a row, and the constructor's title retained, there is also
the hope of seeing both Mercedes drivers battling wheel to wheel.
There was none of that in Brazil two weeks ago, or in Mexico, as
Mercedes made clear that their priority was to secure second place
for Nico Rosberg.
"We will not be backing off -- and an entertaining battle at the
front between our boys for one last time in 2015 will be the ideal
way to show that," said motorsport head Toto Wolff.
Rosberg will be aiming to continue two sequences of his own, the
German chasing his third win in a row and sixth successive pole to
go into the winter with at least some bragging rights.
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"I've had two really great weekends now in Mexico and Brazil, so I'm
heading into the final race on a massive high," he said.
Rosberg started on pole in the day-to-night race last year but a
mechanical failure dashed his hopes.
"Of course, it will be close as always with Lewis and we saw a big
push from Ferrari in Sao Paulo, so it won't be straightforward. But
I'm up for a battle and hopefully we can put on a great show for the
fans to end the year," he said.
With little movement in the driver market and familiar lineups for
2016, there will be fewer farewells than usual in the paddock's end
of term atmosphere.
Abu Dhabi will be Frenchman Romain Grosjean's last race for Lotus
before moving to the new Haas team while Manor Marussia principal
John Booth and sporting director Graeme Lowdon are leaving the
tail-enders.
Renault's future in the sport may also become clearer, with the
manufacturer set to take over Lotus -- whose name looks destined to
disappear again.
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Amlan Chakraborty)
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