Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has begun his quest for a second world championship title in positive fashion after clocking the fastest time in the first practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Brit has a 17-point lead over teammate Nico Rosberg ahead of Sunday's final race, where lucrative double points are on offer.

Rosberg, who asked Hamilton for a 'clean fight' yesterday, topped the timesheet in the early stages of the session, but Hamilton eventually moved on top.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who will leave the Italian outfit at the end of the season, secured the third fastest time, while Sebastian Vettel, who will replace the Spaniard at Ferrari, clocked the fourth quickest.

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, who is currently third in the driver rankings, finished the session fourth fastest in Abu Dhabi.

Jenson Button had a frustrating start to the day after failing to do any proper running in his McLaren, but is expected to test his car in the second practice session.

Full standings:

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
3. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
4. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
5. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
6. Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso)
7. Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso)
8. Valtteri Bottas (Williams)
9. Sergio Perez (Force India)
10. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India)
11. Kevin Magnussen (McLaren)
12. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
13. Felipe Massa (Williams)
14. Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber)
15. Pastor Maldonado (Lotus)
16. Esteban Ocon (Lotus)
17. Jenson Button (McLaren)
18. Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham)
19. Adderly Fong (Sauber)
20. Will Stevens (Marussia)