Romain Grosjean continued his recent strong form by topping the first free practice session in Abu Dhabi.
Lewis Hamilton was just under two tenths behind him in second place. He looked particularly strong in the last sector as we have seen in recent years.
The new four times world champion Sebastian Vettel completed the top three, just ahead of team mate Mark Webber.
Caution should be taken with these times, as the conditions weren’t representative of what we will see in the race. Free Practice two which takes place in twilight conditions (just like the race) will give us a better indication.
FP1 Full Times – 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:
| # | Driver | Team | Gap | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01. | R. Grosjean | Lotus | 1:44.241 | 21 |
| 02. | L. Hamilton | Mercedes | + 0.192 | 23 |
| 03. | S. Vettel | Red Bull | + 0.258 | 18 |
| 04. | M. Webber | Red Bull | + 0.471 | 20 |
| 05. | N. Rosberg | Mercedes | + 0.500 | 24 |
| 06. | K. Raikkonen | Lotus | + 0.688 | 23 |
| 07. | P. Di Resta | Force India | + 0.799 | 20 |
| 08. | J. Button | McLaren | + 0.858 | 20 |
| 09. | P. Maldonado | Williams | + 0.909 | 24 |
| 10. | S. Perez | McLaren | + 1.090 | 20 |
| 11. | N. Hulkenberg | Sauber | + 1.137 | 23 |
| 12. | F. Alonso | Ferrari | + 1.199 | 18 |
| 13. | V. Bottas | Williams | + 1.582 | 22 |
| 14. | J. Calado | Force India | + 1.683 | 20 |
| 15. | E. Gutierrez | Sauber | + 1.827 | 18 |
| 16. | J. Vergne | Toro Rosso | + 1.873 | 22 |
| 17. | F. Massa | Ferrari | + 1.883 | 18 |
| 18. | D. Ricciardo | Toro Rosso | + 1.885 | 21 |
| 19. | C. Pic | Caterham | + 3.559 | 22 |
| 20. | H. Kovalainen | Caterham | + 3.429 | 22 |
| 21. | J. Bianchi | Marussia | + 3.482 | 23 |
| 22. | R. Gonzalez | Marussia | + 5.324 | 22 |
