Lewis Hamilton quickest in first practice of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton has secured the fastest time in the first practice ahead of Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 27-year-old, who will join Mercedes next season after penning a three-year deal with the team, launched to the top of the standings after the first practice with his teammate Jenson Button just behind.

A strong final lap from Button helped the Brit secure the second-fastest time, while Championship favourite Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull finished the course in the third-quickest time with his biggest rival Fernando Alonso in fourth.

Mark Webber recorded the fifth-best time in the opening practice, while Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher clocked the sixth-fastest time.

First practice standings:

1. Lewis Hamilton - McLarem 2. Jenson Button - McLaren 3. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull 4. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari 5. Mark Webber - Red Bull 6. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes 7. Pastor Maldonado - Williams 8. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes 9. Valtteri Bottas - Williams 10. Kimi Raikkonen - Lotus 11. Felipe Massa - Ferrari 12. Nico Hulkenberg - Force India 13. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber 14. Romain Grosjean - Lotus 15. Jules Bianchi - Force India 16. Sergio Perez - Sauber 17. Daniel Ricciardo - Toro Rosso 18. Jean-Eric Vergne - Toro Rosso 19. Heikki Kovalainen - Caterham 20. Timo Glock - Marussia 21. Pedro de la Rosa - HRT 22. Max Chilton - Marussia 23. Ma Qinghua - HRT 24. Giedo van der Garde - Caterham