Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone agreed and backed the race stewards.

"I think it (the punishment) is right," he told Reuters. "What he did with the other guy was completely wrong and as he is a world champion, it's up to him to set an example to people.

"He could have waited. If he thought the guy had done something wrong...he at least should have waited and seen him in the paddock.

"As far as the yellow flags are concerned, that was a little bit over the top considering he had already got a one second penalty. It was when the practice had finished. I think that was a bit harsh."

Renault team boss Flavio Briatore, already critical of the governing body for a technical ruling that has hit his team, refused to comment on Alonso's punishment.