Thirlby’s thrilled

FORMULA ONE is rife with rumours that Ferrari’s feuding twosome Seb Vettel and Charles Leclerc will split up before the start of next season.

And it is likely that ex-champion Vettel will be offloaded from his £30million-a-year job in favour of rising star Leclerc.

But reigning champion Lewis Hamilton has dismissed gossip that he could abandon Mercedes for a final fling with the Italian legends who have faded disastrously into the F1 background.

That notion is shared by Hamilton’s boss Toto Wolff.

He said: “Working with Lewis has been a great joy and a privilege.

“I am sure we will be together again for another championship next season.”

Meanwhile, six-time champ Hamilton clinched top spot on the grid for today’s duel in Abu Dhabi.

He said: “Wow. That’s just what I have been waiting for. My first pole since Hockenheim.

“Abu Dhabi is one of my favourite circuits. I’ve had ten starts here with four wins, seven podiums, four poles and two fastest laps.”

Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas finished final qualifying in second place but will have to start from last due to a grid penalty due to an engine change, meaning Max Verstappen is elevated to second and Leclerc third.

ENGLAND completed a Test series victory in Cape Town with a 59-53 win over South Africa.

George Fisher proved the difference following her half-time introduction after South Africa matched Jess Thirlby’s side for large periods.

It means Thirlby wins her first series since replacing Tracey Neville as head coach.

She said: “The thing I’m most pleased with is the improved performance.

“It was great, quick learning from last night into tonight. We were tactically a bit smarter.

“I thought the changes had a great impact.”

The first Test on Friday had gone to extra time with England eventually winning 63-58.

The third and final Test against South Africa takes place today.