Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa have been opponents only once as MotoGP riders, but their bitter 250cc rivalry is already showing signs of resurfacing after Pedrosa reportedly ignored Lorenzo on the Qatar podium.

Both Spaniards raced each other for two seasons in 125cc GP - during 2002 and 2003 - but it was only when Lorenzo fought reigning 250cc champion Pedrosa head-on during the 2005 season that the fireworks between them - and their respective team managers - really began to ignite.

Pedrosa finished third in the Qatar GP, and joined Lorenzo and race winner Casey Stoner on the podium.

"I did not like that he did not congratulate me, although we can all do and say what we want," Lorenzo told the Spanish press. "If I were him - Dani Pedrosa - I would have congratulated a newcomer that finished second. Everyone else I saw at Qatar congratulated me; mechanics, riders and officials.

The Spanish Grand Prix, which takes place on March 30, is the first home race of the year for both Lorenzo and Pedrosa.