Three-time world Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has clocked the fastest time of 1:13.543 in first practice ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, the penultimate race of the season.

Mercedes duo Hamilton and Nico Rosberg showed intent early on in the session by setting the top two fastest laps inside the first 30 minutes.

Hamilton, who was crowned world champion for a third time in Austin last month, is searching for his 11th race win of the season, while Rosberg is vying for back-to-back triumphs in Brazil.

The Brit delayed his arrival in South America due to illness, but he did not seem troubled during the session as he eased around the track.

It was a fairly simple session for the drivers as Williams's Felipe Massa, who is competing in his home grand prix, was one of two to skid off the track - Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen also veered off the course.

Rosberg finished second on the timesheet, while Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo were third and fourth respectively.

Full standings:

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
3. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
4. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
5. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
6. Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull)
7. Valterri Bottas (Williams)
8. Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso)
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India)
10. Pastor Maldonado (Lotus)
11. Carlos Sainz Jr (Toro Rosso)
12. Jolyon Palmer (Lotus)
13. Jenson Button (McLaren)
14. Felipe Nasr (Sauber)
15. Sergio Perez (Force India)
16. Fernando Alonso (McLaren)
17. Felipe Massa (Williams)
18. Marcus Ericsson (Sauber)
19. Alexander Rossi (Manor)
20. Will Stevens (Manor)