LEAD: Hamilton tops Friday practice in Brazil

Nov 25, 2011, 17:39 GMT

Sao Paulo, Brazil - Lewis Hamilton beat world champion Sebastian Vettel for the leading time in Friday practice for the season-ending Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix.

The McLaren driver Hamilton clocked 1 minute 13.392 seconds on a sunny afternoon at the 4.309km Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace

Vettel had 1:13.559 and his Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber, top in the morning session, placed third on 1:13.587 ahead of Fernando Alonso of Ferrari (1:13.598).

Vettel, who wrapped up back-to-back world titles four races ago in Japan, will be aiming to set a record 15 poles in a season in qualifying Saturday. The German equalled Nigel Mansell's record of 14 poles in a season in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago.

However, Hamilton will hope to complete an up-and-down season on a high after winning the previous race in Abu Dhabi in which Vettel had to retire with a puncture in the opening lap.

Record world champion Michael Schumacher was a credible fifth for Mercedes and home favourite Felipe Massa, set to compete in his 100th race for Ferrari, sixth.

The top eight, completed by second-placed overall driver Jenson Button of McLaren and Mercedes' Nico Rosberg, were separated by less than half a second.

A third practice session and qualifying are for Saturday and the last 2011 race for Sunday.