Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - 5 things you need to know

Poisoned pole

The pole sitter at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has won only once in the 4 yer history of the race.

At Abu Dhabi, starting at the front remains ominous as the pole sitter has won only once in four previous editions with Vettel winning a crucial race in 2010. Lewis Hamilton had retired with a brake problem at the inaugural race and in 2012 after problems with fuel pressure. Sebastian Vettel who started at the front of the grid in 2011 retired with a first corner puncture.

Starting second on the grid remains a safer bet with a 50 percent winning ratio. Vettel won from second in 2009 and Lewis Hamilton in 2011. Raikkonen is the only exception winning the race last year starting fourth on the grid.