Hamilton sets pace in Malaysian GP final practice

Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton emerged as the fastest driver in the third and final practice session of the Malaysian Grand Prix on Saturday.

The Mercedes driver was 0.445secs quicker than Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the Sepang International Circuit, Sport24 reported.

Meanwhile, current table leader Nico Rosberg finished third, ahead of Ferrari drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.

Hamilton fell eight points adrift of his sole title rival Rosberg, who clinched a hat-trick of consecutive wins, including a crushing victory last time out in Singapore.