Honda rider Marc Marquez insists that he does not need a bodyguard for this weekend’s Italian motorcycle Grand Prix.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.”