Rivals warned after post race bust-up.

Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi have both been officially warned about their conduct, following a post race incident at the Catalan Grand Prix.

As the pair made their way up the stairs to the post race TV interview room immediately after the race, there was an apparently heated exchange between Biaggi, Rossi and some members of Rossi's Nastro Azzuro Honda team.

Although both sides refused to give details, it is believed that there was some pushing and shoving, with some rather impolite words mixed in for good measure - hence the rather flustered appearance of both riders in the TV interviews, and the 'frosty' podium celebrations.

As a result of the incident, the FIM released the following statement:

"On Sunday 17 June, after the 500cc race, there was an altercation between Italian riders Valentino Rossi and Massimiliano Biaggi, prejudicial to the interests of the sport.

For this infraction to Art. 3.3.1.2 of the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations, the Race Direction decided to inflict upon each one a warning.
The organisation of the Championship will take all necessary measures to avoid such incidents in the future.

The riders have been informed that they are responsible for the behaviour of their team members and related persons.
The Race Direction also informed the riders that a next infraction will be sanctioned with a severe penalty.

Both riders and their teams promised to avoid any altercation in the future.

No appeal has been lodged.

The decision of the Race Direction is final."

The warning follows an earlier caution given to both Italians after the notorious rivals indulged in some earlier "unsporting" behaviour during the season opening Japanese Grand Prix, which culminated in Rossi being pushed onto the grass at over 120mph.

Rossi won today's Catalan Grand Prix to extend his World Championship lead over second place finisher..... Max Biaggi.