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Hamilton and Vettel split by 0.09s in final practice at COTA

AUSTIN -- Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in final practice at the U.S. Grand Prix, completing a clean sweep of all three practice sessions at the Circuit of the Americas ahead of qualifying.

Saturday morning's practice was far more competitive than Friday's with Hamilton's championship rival Sebastian Vettel just 0.092s off the lead Mercedes. The small gap sets up a tantalising battle ahead of qualifying, with the two title rivals in contention for pole position while their teammates Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen two tenths adrift in third and fourth.

Vettel's slim championship chances rest on him being able to beat Hamilton this weekend, but on his current form the Mercedes driver remains the clear favourite ahead of qualifying.