The first session started damp. Apart from installation laps, most drivers didn't get out until the sun had dried up the rain – yes, the rain – from earlier in the day. It looks like Abu Dhabi's four days of rain are coming on Formula One weekend, which is typical of this entire season. Almost every weekend has been affected by rain in some way.
The only excitement in the first session was the McLarens splitting Vettel and Webber, with Vettel six tenths faster than Hamilton. Right at the end, Barrichello stopped as he was heading back to the pits.
In the second session, Karun Chandhok was up in the BBC commentary box. The softer tyres were showing severe graining, and most teams were switching onto the harder tyres by the end. This should improve by race day.
Alguersuari was the first retirement of the session. He spun after contacting with the astroturf and stopped. Then it was Massa, who had fuel problems – not on low fuel, but having trouble getting it to the engine. He coasted to a stop.
Hamilton was the fastest before they changed to heavy fuel loads, then Vettel, Alonso and Webber. Kubica was fifth fastest, with Button down in eighth.
Meanwhile, there was an incident between Senna and Hamilton, as Hamilton went off the track behind the back of Senna, who had slowed down, and came back on the track perhaps not in enough control of the car, as he was very close to the side of the Hispania driver. It was right by the entrance to the pit lane, and Senna had to work hard to stay out of the McLaren's way as Hamilton decided to pit right then. The incident will be looked at after the session.
Although the 107 percent rule will not apply until next season, it is interesting to see how close the back cars - the Hispanias, naturally - come to breaching it. In session one, Christian Klien didn't make it within the time, and nor did Fauzy deputizing for Kovalainen. However, in session two all the drivers were within the required time.
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