Formula 1’s showdown in Abu Dhabi

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel was victorious at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit is preparing to host the finale of the 2010 Formula 1 World Championship this weekend, with four drivers still in contention for the title.

Sebastian Vettel headed a one-two for Red Bull at the penultimate round in Brazil last weekend, winning the constructor’s title for the team and keeping both his and Mark Webber’s hopes alive of overtaking Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, who currently heads the drivers’ standings.

If Alonso wins Sunday’s twilight race, he will be champion. If Webber wins, he needs Alonso to finish third or lower for the Australian to clinch the title. If Vettel wins, Alonso can still be champion if he can bring the Ferrari home in fourth place or higher.

Lewis Hamilton is also in with a slim chance for McLaren, but would require a win at Abu Dhabi and for his three rivals to fail to finish inside the points. His team mate Jenson Button, the reigning world champion, is now out of the running.

All three of the top championship contenders finished on the podium in Brazil last weekend

Vettel hinted after the race in Brazil that he would be prepared to help Webber win the title if the German’s chances look to have faded during the race in Abu Dhabi. Team orders are banned in Formula 1, but drivers are free to make their own decisions that will affect the team.

As well as the title decider in the Formula, visitors to Yas Marina can also enjoy several support races. The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East will get underway and the final round of the GP2 series will take place. GP2 is a feeder series from F1 and has seen the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hulkenberg, Timo Glock and Nico Rosberg graduate from its ranks. In addition, 2010 champion Sergio Perez has been confirmed for a seat at Sauber F1 in 2011.

Several GP2 drivers will test for F1 teams in Abu Dhabi after the race weekend.

Check out Mark Webber’s guide to the Yas Marina Circuit below.