Ferrari has been strongly linked with a move for Germany's Vettel, but will field Alonso and Brazilian Felipe Massa for the 2013 season.

CNN: Ecclestone F1 era coming to a close - Ferrari chief

Germany's Vettel is now 21 points behind Button with team-mate Webber just 1.5 points behind - and Webber the same margin ahead of Barrichello.

BBC: Webber battles to maiden F1 win

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel took pole ahead of Hamilton and Alonso, whose closest championship rival, Vettel's team-mate Mark Webber, was fifth.

BBC: Fernando Alonso hopes Lewis Hamilton wins Abu Dhabi GP