Hamilton was once again the quickest in the final practice session in Suzuka to continue his dominant weekend.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff claimed Ferrari “held something back” during the first day and they turned their engines up this morning.
Vettel was only one tenth behind his title rival as the pair battled on the super-soft tyres – reducing the deficit from eighth tenths the previous day.
However, FP3 was ended prematurely after Nico Hulkenberg slammed his Renault into the wall five minutes from time.