Defending MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo (Photo: Yamaha Racing)

“Lorenzo made exactly the same move so it is very difficult to understand if he makes a mistake or if this is for another reason," Rossi said. "This is racing. But if we follow what Lorenzo said on Friday (in the Safety Commission) then they have to make a ride through also for him.”

The war of words will no doubt rage on as the season, and the fight for race wins, intensifies. What is certain is that the action by officials to penalize Simoncelli is considered by some to be a long time coming, while many also wonder at the inconsistency of not applying rigorous standards of fair play at every race.

As race winner Casey Stoner (Honda) observed: "It was good to see them doing something. There have been many incidents in the past, and not just in MotoGP but also 125s and Moto2, and nothing has been done.

"Now I'm interested to see what happens in the future."

Following the Le Mans race Lorenzo continues to lead the world championship on 78 points, 12 ahead of Stoner with Pedrosa slipping to third on 61 after going pointless here. Rossi, still without a race win, is fifth on 47 points.