Lewis Hamilton reckons McLaren would probably have put more fuel in if it had realised how superior his performance in Abu Dhabi qualifying would be.
The former world champion was fastest in all three qualifying segments, and eventually took pole by 0.7s.
Hamilton emphasised that McLaren certainly hadn't been running a 'showboating' low fuel load, but could have run even heavier and still taken pole.
"Maybe we should have thought about going a bit longer, but I don't think we were particularly too aggressive," he said.
"It was a smooth lap, it just kept getting better and better.
"I'm very, very happy with it.
"It's never easy, but it was definitely as much fun as it looked."
He said McLaren had also made another step forward for this race.
"The car's been, I think, probably the best it's been all year," Hamilton suggested.
"It really feels quite comfortable to drive here."
Hamilton was also delighted to become the first Formula 1 pole-sitter at the spectacular new Yas Marina venue.
"When they've done here is incredible, it's just a real pleasure to drive the car here, and when you've got the car beneath you it's a great drive," he said.
"They all said it was going to be a great event, but it's mind-blowing.
"What they've been able to create here is really fantastic and I expect more and more people will want to come here in the future.
"I'm sure we're going to put on a great show for everyone, so fingers crossed it will be a good day tomorrow."