Vettel and Hulkenberg summoned to see stewards

The pair were called up in relation to alleged impeding of other cars, and a potential breach of the practice start regulations.

A note issued after free practice said that both drivers were called for an alleged breach of article 30.13 of F1's Sporting Regulations, as well as note 5.1 of pre-event notes.

Article 30.13 states that: “At no time may a car be driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers or any other person. This will apply whether any such car is being driven on the track, the pit entry or the pit lane.”

Note 5.1 said that: “Practice starts during sessions may only be carried out on the right at the pit exit before the end of the pit wall. Drivers must leave adequate room on their left for another driver to pass.”

It is understood there was an incident between the pair shortly after the start of the session at the exit of the pit lane.

UPDATE: Issue resolved without penalty

Vettel was cleared of any wrongdoing after allegations that he blocked rival Nico Hulkenberg on the way out of the pits at the start of final practice at Suzuka.

After hearing from both the four-time champion and Hulkenberg, FIA race stewards decided that Vettel had not acted in a manner that warranted sanction.

A statement issued by the FIA said: “The Stewards after hearing from the driver of car 27 [Hulkenberg] decided that car 5 [Vettel] did not drive in a manner that was potentially dangerous.”