Sebastian Vettel escapes Korea penalty

Newly-crowned world champion Sebastian Vettel has escaped a penalty following an incident in qualifying for the Korean Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old's Red Bull missed a section of the track between turns four and six on his first qualifying lap at the Yeongam circuit and was called to see the stewards after qualifying.

A penalty was not handed out by the stewards as they deemed the German had gained no advantage.

"Having heard from the driver and team manager, and having noted that Car 1 started what was its fastest qualifying lap with 17 seconds to spare prior to the chequered flag, the stewards determined that no advantage was gained when Car 1 left the track," said a statement issued by the race stewards.

Vettel eventually finished second behind McLaren's Lewis Hamilton as the Englishman prevented a Red Bull pole position for the first time in 15 races.