The Japan Times - Norris completes Abu Dhabi practice 'double top' to boost title bid

The 26-year-old Briton clocked a best lap in one minute and 23.083 seconds in his McLaren to outpace Red Bull's four-time world champion by 0.363sec with Mercedes' George Russell third, 0.079 further behind.

Championship leader Norris has a 12-point lead over Verstappen, who is seeking a record-equalling fifth consecutive title, with McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri a further four points back.

A podium finish will be enough for Norris to clinch the title in Sunday's three-way showdown at the Yas Marina Circuit where Verstappen could become the fourth driver to take the title without leading the championship – a feat previously achieved by John Surtees (1974), James Hunt (1976) and Sebastian Vettel (2010).

The 2010 race, with four contenders, was the last time more than two drivers contested the title at the final race.

Piastri, who missed the opening practice to allow a rookie reserve to take his car, was down in 11th after reporting balance problems. He was six-tenths adrift.

Oliver Bearman was fourth for Haas ahead of Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, Racing Bulls' Red Bull-bound rookie Isack Hadjar and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

Two-time champion Fernando Alonso was ninth for Aston Martin and Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli 10th in the second Mercedes.

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who was one of the nine drivers who sat out the opening session, was 14th for Ferrari as he ends a forlorn debut season with the Italian team at a circuit where he has enjoyed three victories.

After an early fastest lap by Bearman, top spot was swiftly traded by several drivers in the cooling conditions as the track temperature dropped from 39 degrees in the opening session to 28 and the floodlights came on.

That drop improved the conditions and prospects for some teams, dusk bringing more grip and speed as Norris re-established his supremacy ahead of Verstappen with Russell in pursuit in his revived Mercedes.

By mid-session, after switching from mediums to softs, they were separated by three-tenths with Piastri down in 10th, six-tenths adrift, after missing the earlier run to allow reserve rookie driver Pato O'Ward to enjoy a session.

The Australian reported balance issues on his car, evidenced by a big lock-up at Turn Six, as he continued to struggle for pace with 20 minutes remaining and most focussing on long run preparation for the race on hard compounds.

"I don't think he's totally dialled in yet," said McLaren boss Zak Brown, who had earlier confirmed that his team will exercise team orders if it becomes necessary to support one driver during the race. "But he’ll get there."

S.Suzuki--JT