In 2015 there were a total of 23 overtakes during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, of which 18 were courtesy of DRS. In 2014 there were 26 passes of which 24 were with the aid of DRS. Back to 2013, under the old formula, it was 34 overtakes, again DRS (34) accounting for the majority.
All of which gives you some idea of how 'easy' it is to pass here. Imagine what it would be like with no DRS... well, ask Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard lost the 2010 title - despite a bigger lead than Nico Rosberg going into today's race - because he couldn't get by Vitaly Petrov. A year later DRS was introduced.
Of course, Mercedes will be hoping that the title is decided in a nice, fair manner, not due to a fluffed start, technical failure... or worse.
Sadly however, no matter how thrilling - or processional - the race, few are here to witness it. The only 'fan' shots we get to see are party goers raising their glasses to the cameras or people standing on the various balconies. There is the odd cluster of fans to be found on one of the small patches of grass and there's a decent crowd in the stands, but it's reminiscent of Silverstone at 6am on a Friday not race day for the title decider.
We've said it before and we've said it before, Yas Marina is not fit to host a season finale... especially one at which the title will be decided.
What we want to see is the passion of fans at Monza, Silverstone, Suzuka, Mexico and Brazil, flags waving and air-horns blasting, not endless shots of yachts, infinity pools and the rest.
Other than not being a good circuit technically, the Yas Marina is sterile and not a fitting host for what will surely be the most watched event of the year. Then again, that's the point.
We'll come on to the title fight later, but first, today is a day of farewells.
Farewell to Jenson Button and Felipe Massa, two highly popular members of the travelling circus that is F1. One realised his dream by winning the title, the other came oh so close... handling the subsequent loss with a dignity that others should learn from.
While Button is already questioning his decision, in our humble opinion now is the right time for both to call it quits, certainly as far as F1 is concerned. There is still lots more racing out there, more races and titles to be won... motorsport doesn't revolve around F1.
We also say farewell to the current design rules as we welcome a new aggressive look for 2017, though in all honesty many of the changes are retro and still see the emphasis on aero as opposed to mechanical grip.
A number of drivers bid farewell to their current teams as they head to pastures new, while a couple more have yet to secure seats for next year.
In recent weeks the sport has lost a number of keys figures, first engine guru Paul Rosche, then Aki Hintsa. Sadly, overnight McLaren revealed that its "marketing stalwart" Peter Stayner had passed away. Sad times.
And talking of McLaren, how sad that Ron Dennis has slipped into obscurity so quickly, but sadly that is the business face of the sport, a cold, clinical face that fits in so well here.
Red Bull, quite rightly, has pointed out that even though it is not fighting for the title it will take the race like any other, going for the win and refusing to kowtow to Mercedes. However, over the course of the three practice sessions and qualifying, Ferrari has emerged as a credible force here.
Should the Maranello cars manage the sort of electric getaway witnessed several times last year, we could see a real upset, especially with the Italian team so desperate to take that first (and last) win of the year.
While we appreciate the aims of both Red Bull and Ferrari, and the others, we do not want to see the title decided by anything other than a decent race. Reflecting on the stats of the opening paragraph, we are minded that on a track like this, with so much at stake, 'mistakes' can happen. After 21 races we deserve better.
Sadly, whatever happens today, the 2016 season will forever be tainted, first by the failures that hampered Hamilton and the subsequent conspiracy theories.
Putting all else aside, honestly, may the best man win.
On any given day Hamilton is the better driver, there is need to say anything more. However, to dismiss Rosberg, to say he lucked into this position is utter nonsense.
You can luck into a race win, but you don't luck into a title, not after the busiest season in the history of the sport. Indeed, what madness, that whoever loses the title today will still have won at least 9 races and taken at least 8 poles.
The pitlane opens, and as Massa heads out of his garage his son, kitted out on Williams overalls, is in the pitlane to wave him off.
One by one the drivers head out, Hamilton, Ricciardo and Bottas among the last.
Air temperature is 26 degrees C, while the track temperature is 29 degrees. The race starts at 17:00 local time, the same time as FP2 and qualifying, however it will be interesting to see how much further the track cools from 18:00 and how the tyres react.
According to Pirelli, the most likely strategy is for two pit stops. Unlike those around them, the Red Bulls are starting on the supersofts.
There is a very, very impressive air display as the drivers gather for the anthem, only a couple resist the urge to look up... Hamilton is one of them.
As the field heads off on the parade lap, all are starting on the ultras bar the Bulls, Gutierrez, Kvyat, Nasr and Sainz who are on supers, while Button, Grosjean, Magnussen, Ocon and Ericsson are on softs.
"Both Mercedes drivers have available to them: two new softs, one new supersoft and three used ultrasofts (including start tyres)," confirms Pirelli.
Slowly the grid forms.
They're away.
They get away cleanly and despite a few lock-ups and poor starts from both Red Bull drivers there are no issues, bar Verstappen who spins in the first corner after appearing to hit Hulkenberg, Alonso running wide in the process.
Hamilton leads and Rosberg falls in behind. Good starts from Palmer, Kvyat and Nasr.
As Verstappen drops to last, there is some fierce fighting; Nasr and Magnussen having clashed, while Palmer and Grosjean are also hard at one another, the pair almost tripping up over Button as they scrap.
Also in serious dogfights are the Force India and Williams duos, both pairs of teammates involved in hard fought battles.
At the end of lap 1, Hamilton leads Rosberg, Raikkonen, Ricciardo, Vettel, Hulkenberg, Perez, Alonso, Massa and Bottas. Magnussen pits for a new nose, while Verstappen is up to 17th.
As Hamilton builds a 0.792s lead, Ricciardo is the meat in the sandwich, with the Ferrari duo the bread.
Check out our Sunday gallery from Abu Dhabi, here.
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