A spectator’s video depicts pole sitter and Suzuka winner Sebastian Vettel almost jumping the start of Sunday’s Japanese grand prix.
The footage, shot from the main grandstand opposite the pit buildings, shows the German’s Red Bull making a slight forwards movement just before the five red lights went out.
The footage (see below), with the incident located at 4:28, also depicts Vettel’s engine note dipping slightly as his RB6 lurched forwards.
It is likely he was not penalised for the brief clutch release because Vettel’s car was apparently once again stationary by the time the lights did go out.
The 23-year-old admitted his "good start" from pole at Suzuka "was the key" to victory over his teammate and championship leader Mark Webber on Sunday.