Simoncelli continues 250cc feud

There was antagonism between the two Spanish riders and 2008 champion Simoncelli following various on-track incidents during the last two seasons, and Simoncelli said the bad blood still lingered.

"After verifying what kind of hypocrites Bautista and Barbera are, I've decided I won't be speaking to them anymore," Simoncelli told Motosprint.

"I don't want to have anything to do with them anymore, also considering we reason in a different way. They are strong riders, but as people they aren't worth much."

Simoncelli argued that no other rivals had problems with him, and accused the MotoGP officials of indulging Barbera and Bautista.

"Some riders, like Bautista and Barbera, always whine," he said. "All the fuss against me started from them, after which race direction gave them a big hand.

"I race anyone in the same way, so it's unbelievable that there were problems only with them. I happen to make contact with many riders, but with them - especially Bautista - it's always a big fuss. In 2009 he has given me the impression of being someone looking for excuses.

"As for Barbera, he ran into me at Assen, and then said that he had to do it because I wouldn't let him through... as if it was my fault!

"Race direction, by always judging in favour of Bautista and Barbera, has contributed in creating this ugly and hostile climate, which shouldn't be there. They had begun taking advantage of a situation that had become favourable for them."

All three riders are moving up to MotoGP this season. Simoncelli has joined Gresini Honda, Bautista becomes a works Suzuki rider, and Barbera will be the sole rider for Aspar as it graduates to MotoGP with a Ducati.

Hiroshi Aoyama - who beat all three men to the 250cc title - is also stepping up to MotoGP with new Honda customer squad Interwetten.