Lewis Hamilton has posted the fastest lap time in second practice for the United States Grand Prix, having already set the pace in first practice earlier today.

The Briton finished just three-thousandths of a second ahead of his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg, while Fernando Alonso completed the top three for Ferrari.

However, the championship leader lost time late in the session as he reported a problem with his gearbox before being ordered back to the garage by the team.

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, who will be starting the race from the pit lane, came onto the track for a few laps late in the session, but posted the slowest time, skipping the low-fuel run.

McLaren's Jenson Button continued his strong form on Fridays this season, finishing in the top nine again, just behind teammate Kevin Magnussen.

Only 18 cars took part in the session, as cash-strapped Caterham and Marussia are missing this race after entering administration.

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
3. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
4. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
5. Felipe Massa (Williams)
6. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
7. Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso)
8. Kevin Magnussen (McLaren)
9. Jenson Button (McLaren)
10. Nico Hulkenberg (Force India)
11. Valtteri Bottas (Williams)
12. Romain Grosjean (Lotus)
13. Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso)
14. Sergio Perez (Force India)
15. Pastor Maldonado (Lotus)
16. Adrian Sutil (Sauber)
17. Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber)
18. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)