MOTOGP: Lorenzo and Marquez offered bodyguards

Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez have been offered bodyguards for this weekend's MotoGP round at Mugello, the first in Italy since the controversial end to the 2015 season.

Lorenzo overhauled Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi to win last year's title, while the Italian was involved in a season-defining row with Marquez, who Rossi said was working to help his fellow Spaniard.

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Following rounds in Qatar, Argentina, the USA, Spain and France – during which both Lorenzo and Marquez have been booed at times – the Italian Grand Prix had been considered a potential flashpoint.

Promoter Dorna opted to organize bodyguards for Lorenzo and Marquez.

"In the paddock, I don't know if it's necessary," Lorenzo said. "Outside the paddock? There are a lot of people in Italy, a lot of fans, so we don't know how a fan can react. So the bodyguards are there, if we don't need him, it's OK, if we do need him, they are ready to work."

MARQUEZ DECLINES OFFER

While Lorenzo looks set to accept the offer, Marquez said he has asked for his bodyguard to be stood down.

"Since I arrived yesterday here, I feel really good, that the fans are still asking for pictures and autographs," Marquez said. "This morning when I go out from the motorhome, I see a bodyguard there and honestly I already said to Dorna, 'I don't need a bodyguard, I don't want a bodyguard.' I want to feel normal. We are in a sport that this will not happen.

"I don't need it. I feel great and this is the most important thing."

Originally on Autosport.com