Felipe Nasr will be looking to conclude his maiden season in Formula 1 on a high in Abu Dhabi as the Sauber driver aims to increase his points tally following a difficult and fruitless series of races in Mexico and Brazil.

Based on their qualifying results, Nasr and team mate Marcus Ericsson are on a par, with the pair 9 to 9, but in race trim the Brazilian enjoys a clear lead over the Swede, with 27 points to 9 in the championship standings.

"The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is another great event, and I will enjoy driving on this track with our car for the first time," Nasr said.

"The atmosphere is special. I like the people, their traditions, their cultures and, of course the food.

"I can also say, because of my family’s Lebanese roots, I always receive a warm welcome and a lot of support both in the UAE and the whole of the Middle East. They make me feel I am also at home."

After a sunset start on Sunday, drivers will race into the early night which will as usual involve falling temperatures, an adequate set-up and some tricky management on the part of drivers and engineers.

"So far, I have driven there as a GP2 driver and I have also had an F1 test with Williams. The track in the desert sands is quite spectacular with unique surroundings.

"It will be important again to find the right set-up, and this is where we need to concentrate our focus the most on Friday.

"The race starts late in the afternoon, which makes it even more interesting, because of the floodlit-style à la Singapore. We will keep on with our fight for a good result."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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