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Mercedes Formula One driver Nico Rosberg of Germany drives out of his garage during the third practice session at Suzuka Circuit in Japan, today.

Other Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg finished fourth and is now 41 points adrift of Hamilton’s lead; the Singapore victor Vettel is now closing the gap for second place, as Rosberg is only eight points ahead of him.

Red Bull Racing’s Daniil Kvyat was second quick with Nico Rosberg third for Mercedes.

Asked whether he felt Renault would step up, or whether there was an element of wishful thinking on the part of the Lotus owners and the 400 factory employees, Ecclestone said he did not know.

Speaking after Friday’s rain-affected practice sessions, driver Romain Grosjean said of the situation: “It’s quite fun – it’s like camping!”

It was the seventh 1-2 finish for Mercedes this season.

Most notably, Hamilton beat Mercedes teammate, and his number one rival in the race for the championship crown, Nico Rosberg, to pole over the weekend, getting round the circuit some 0.113 seconds faster yesterday, much to the delight of 103,000 spectators.