Korean GP free tickets gaffe leaves fans fuming

A plan by South Korean hosts of their inaugural Grand Prix to boost ticket sales has embarrassed organizers, left fans stranded at the gates and the grandstands half empty on qualifying day.

Hundreds, including school children, were turned away on Saturday when organizers refused to honor daily passes that had been issued by the hosting South Jeolla province free of charge.

"I'm very upset because everyone is saying different things," said Lee Pyong-ho, 63, insisting his party would not have made the trip from the neighboring city of Mokpo had it not been for the free tickets.

Lee had been given the tickets through the local community office after they were issued without consultations with the race organizers in the hope of boosting interest in the event.