That decision gave Michael Schumacher a championship boost ahead of Ferrari’s home race and prompted suggestions the stewards are meddling in the title battle.

Alonso, who leads Schumacher by 12 points in the standings, said: “I am a sportsman, I love sport, I love the fans. I don’t consider Formula One anymore like a sport.”

Team boss Flavio Briatore expressed his anger earlier this year that Renault’s innovative suspension system was banned after an apparent change of position from world governing body the FIA.

He claimed outside forces were attempting to influence the destiny of the championship and Renault were furious again after last night’s decision.

Alonso’s punishment came after Ferrari made an official complaint to stewards, alleging Alonso had interfered with Massa’s lap.

The Spaniard was running several hundred yards ahead of Massa and at full tilt in order to sneak in a final qualifying lap, crossing the line just two seconds before the session ended.

On viewing the video of that lap from Massa’s on-board camera at a specially-convened press conference, Alonso asked: “Is this blocking anyone?”

He added: “If this is blocking I don’t understand how we can race today.”