ABU DHABI, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Nico Rosberg posted the fasted time ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton in the third and final free practice Saturday for the F1 season-finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
It was the first time in three attempts that Rosberg had overtaken his Mercedes partner in practice.
The 29-year-old German finished a best lap of one minute and 41.424 seconds, edging clear of Hamilton, the title favorite, by 0.369 seconds.
Brazilian driver Felipe Massa was third quickest for Williams, one second slower than Rosberg, while Fernando Alonso placed 1.229 behind in fourth as he prepares for his last race with Ferrari.
Sebastian Vettel, who is replacing Alonso at Ferrari next season, clocked the fifth quickest time in his final weekend with Red Bull.
Hamilton leads Rosberg by 17 points overall with double points on offer in Sunday's race, meaning a win is worth 50.
Rosberg's title chase is still not ended. The German can win the title if he wins at Abu Dhabi and Hamilton finishes in third or lower place.