Silverstone

They say that, when you're luck's in, you're luck's in, but, while there was an element of luck about Sebastian Vettel's third place in Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, even the most begrudging of observers will have to admit that the German also drove a fine race (a couple of early indiscretions aside).

Vettel limited the damage to his championship lead to just three points, and can now clinch a third straight F1 crown at the new Circuit of the Americas, provided he scores 15 points more than Alonso which, under the current system, would represent the Spaniard finishing fifth while Vettel wins - entirely plausible given the recent pace of the sport's three leading teams.

Away from the track, the point system also looks set to bite the leading teams in the bum after the FIA announced that, just a couple of years after upping the totals on offer for finishing in the top ten, it was to start taxing those who earn them via points-based entry fees.

The run-up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix also saw further movement in the driver market, with Nico Hulkenberg finally being confirmed at Sauber, and Toro Rosso revealing an unchanged line-up for 2013. On current form that could see the German battling with Lewis Hamilton next season, the new Mercedes recruit admitting that he is unlikely to be a title contender for a couple of seasons.

Over on two-wheels, MotoGP is gearing up for its season finale at Valencia this weekend.

The title may already have been decided in Jorge Lorenzo's favour, but there will be much pride at stake as Lorenzo and Championship runner-up Dani Pedrosa each target a home win - and the most victories for the 2012 season.

Valencia will also mark double world champion Casey Stoner's final MotoGP race and Valentino Rossi's last appearance for Ducati.