Vettel fastest at Abu Dhabi, Hamilton ahead of Rosberg

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel posted the fastest time in the third practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while Formula One championship rivals Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg took it easy ahead of qualifying later Saturday.

Vettel said after finishing third in Friday's second practice that he felt confident in the car's speed, and he topped the leaderboard ahead of teenage driver Max Verstappen's Red Bull and Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton was fourth quickest and Rosberg fifth, meaning that the British driver has beaten his Mercedes teammate in all three practice runs this weekend at the sun-drenched Yas Marina circuit.

But the odds are stacked in Rosberg's favor for Sunday's race.

Seeking the first title of his career, the German driver leads Hamilton by 12 points.

Even if Hamilton wins the race, Rosberg can clinch the title by finishing third and he does not need to push as hard as usual in qualifying.

Hamilton is seeking a third straight title and fourth overall to move alongside four-time winners Alain Prost of France and Vettel.