F1: Vettel claims pole at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Abu Dhabi: Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull has won pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, beating back a challenge from former champion Lewis Hamilton and points leader Fernando Alonso.

Vettel's teammate Mark Webber was fifth ahead of Sunday's season finale.

Vettel clocked 1 minute, 39.394 seconds at the Yas Marina circuit - his fastest lap in qualifying - making him 0.31 seconds quicker than the 2008 champion Hamilton.

Alonso of Ferrari was .398 seconds back of Vettel, with last year's champion Jenson Button in fourth .429 seconds back. Webber came in a disappointing .531 seconds back of his teammate.

Vettel, Alonso, Webber and Hamilton are competing to win the world title in the final race - the first time such a thing has happened in Formula One history.