BEIJING (Reuters) - Usain Bolt remained on course to win a third gold medal at the world athletics championships on Saturday when Jamaica easily qualified for the final of the men's 4x100 metres.

He did not run in Saturday's morning heats but will take his place in the evening finals after his team-mates set the fastest qualifying time.

Nesta Carter, Asafa Powell, Rasheed Dwyer and Nickel Ashmeade won their heat in 37.41 seconds, the fastest in the world this year.

France finished second behind Jamaica in 37.88, recording the second-fastest time overall. The United States, who loom as the biggest threat to Jamaica for the gold medal, set the third-best time of 37.91 in winning their heat.

Bolt has won the 100m and 200m.

He is attempting to complete the sprint treble for the third time at the world championships after previously achieving the feat in 2009 and 2013.