• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Mercedes aims to finish on a high

Nico Rosberg on his way to a ninth-place finish in last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix © Sutton Images

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• Race:
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Nico Rosberg
• |
• Michael Schumacher

• Teams:
• Mercedes

Although there is little to play for at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - neither of its drivers are in with a title chance and the team is already guaranteed fourth place in the constructors' championship - Mercedes remains determined to end the 2011 season strongly.

Michael Schumacher, who has shown more consistency in the last three races, would like another strong performance to help quell ongoing debate over the wisdom of his comeback.

"We had quite an encouraging weekend in Sao Paulo, even if it did not show too much to the outside, as our pace in qualifying and the race was satisfying," he said. "The final race weekend will be exciting for me as I will be driving this impressive circuit for the first time.

"Obviously the main focus of the fans and the media will be on the championship fight so we will be able to work calmly and concentrate on our own weekend. I'm sure that everyone in the team is motivated to deliver a good last performance of the season."

Nico Rosberg, whose own season has fallen away with only eight points from the last three grands prix, said he was looking forward to returning to the Yas Marina Circuit. "The track is interesting to drive with a unique layout with the unusual pit lane exit and the day/night programme makes a change from the usual format of a race weekend. We hope to finish the season with another good result here before looking ahead to next season which will definitely be stronger for us."

"Our team will not be taking anything for granted," added team boss Norbert Haug. "Our target is to achieve the best possible result with our current technical package. As in recent races, we want to be right there if a driver in one of the currently faster cars should have a problem. It would be a nice reward for the team to conclude this very long and tough season, which saw everyone give their all, with a reasonable result."

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