Marquez: No need for Dorna bodyguard at Mugello

Due to the popularity of Marquez's rival Valentino Rossi in Italy - and the heated nature of said rivalry - MotoGP promoter Dorna took measures to increase security around the Spaniard at Mugello, assigning him a bodyguard for the weekend.

Speaking in the riders' press conference on Thursday, Marquez said: "Since I arrived yesterday here, I feel really good - the fans are there, asking for pictures and autographs.

"This morning when I went out from the motorhome, I saw a bodyguard there. Honestly, I already said to Dorna that I don't need a bodyguard, I don't want a bodyguard, I want to feel normal.

"This is [just] another circuit and I think we are in a sport where [incidents] will not happen - so I already asked them that I don't need [a bodyguard]. I feel great and this is the most important."

Lorenzo fine with security

Jorge Lorenzo - another archrival of Rossi's - has also been assigned a bodyguard by Dorna and, unlike Marquez, has not taken issue with it.

He said: "Well, in the paddock, I don't know if it's necessary - maybe outside the paddock, no?

"But you know, there are a lot of people in Italy, a lot of fans - you never know how a fan can react.

"The bodyguards are there - if we don't need them, it's okay, if we need them, they're ready to work."