Button leads Hamilton in final Abu Dhabi practice

Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton turned today's final practice for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix into a battle of British Formula One world champions.

Brawn's Button, who this month clinched the crown relinquished by McLaren's Hamilton, beat his compatriot by a mere two thousandths of a second after the hour-long session at the gleaming Yas Marina circuit.

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, Button's team mate, was third fastest ahead of Swiss rookie Sebastien Buemi in a Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso.

Button has been driving like a man liberated from pressure since he won the title in Brazil with a race to spare, also battling with Hamilton for the fastest lap in yesterday's first practice.

Brawn have already clinched the constructors' championship, meaning there is nothing at stake on Sunday for Button or the team.

Outgoing champions Ferrari, battling McLaren for third place overall, had a disappointing session while retired former champion Michael Schumacher and injured Brazilian Felipe Massa looked on.

Kimi Raikkonen, who makes way at the Italian team for Spain's double world champion Fernando Alonso after the weekend, was only 10th quickest while Italian stand-in Giancarlo Fisichella was 19th and the slowest car on track.

Toro Rosso's Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari was unable to take part in the session due to an apparent hydraulic problem with his car.

Qualifying was due to start later for the sport's first day-to-night race.