Lewis Hamilton fastest in practice for Japanese GP, edging teammate Nico Rosberg

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany talks to mechanics at his team's garage at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, central Japan, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014 ahead of Sunday's Japanese Formula One Grand Prix. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi) (The Associated Press)

Toro Rosso driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands is surrounded by journalists after his first practice session for Sunday's Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, central Japan, Friday, Oct. 3, 2014. Verstappen said he was satisfied with his performance at the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday where he became the youngest driver to take part in a Formula One Grand Prix weekend. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi) (The Associated Press)

SUZUKA, Japan – Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in practice for the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday, edging teammate and Formula One championship rival Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton's time of 1 minute, 35.078 seconds in afternoon practice at the Suzuka circuit was 0.240 seconds ahead of Rosberg.

Hamilton leads Rosberg by three points heading into Sunday's race, having won the past two races.

Williams' Valtteri Bottas was third fastest ahead of McLaren's Jenson Button.

A powerful typhoon is approaching Japan but isn't projected to hit the region until Monday. Rain is still in the forecast for race day on Sunday.

Red Bull driver and reigning champion Sebastian Vettel, who has won four of the past five races at Suzuka, was fifth fastest followed by Ferrari pair Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso.