The explosive finale of the 2015 season is not yet in the past for a portion of those fans who support Rossi, who remains the sport's most popular rider.

This is something that was especially evident at Qatar, Argentina and Le Mans, where Marquez and Lorenzo were the target of booing, both on the grid and the podium.

It is believed that, worldwide, eight in 10 MotoGP fans support Rossi, an average number that in Italy rises to nine in 10.

Because of this, next Sunday's race is a very special one for the Italian rider, who will be in front of his home crowd, while Marquez and Lorenzo will be in foreign territory.

Both Spanish riders are aware of this, and they will try to keep a low profile during this weekend in order to avoid an incident with Rossi's fans.

Minimal exposure

Neither Lorenzo nor Marquez will have any sponsor events and, although the Yamaha rider will have the support of 100 members from his fan club, nobody from Marquez's fan club will travel to Mugello.

"30 members will arrive by plane from Spain, 30 other will travel from Italy, 30 more from different countries and 10 will travel by bike", someone from Lorenzo's entourage told Motorsport.com.

"They have the general admission ticket and they will try to stay away from Valentino's fans, although it will be difficult because they are everywhere around here", the source added.

When it comes to this situation, Rossi was asked in Argentina if he would make some kind of appeal to try to calm any fan that might want to harm Lorenzo or Marquez.

The Italian's answer was significant: "I didn't do it, but my fan club did it, which is as if I have said it."

Added security

The one responsible for preventing any incidents that might put the riders' security at risk is Helios Xaudaro, the Events Director for MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports.

The company has decided to go largely with its normal policy, so the security will be almost the same as every year in this circuit.

"However," Xaudaro explains to Motorsport.com, "we have asked the German company that provides us with security personnel for access to two more employees.

"Lorenzo and Marquez will also both have a bodyguard who will be prepared and will have a green light to act if the situation requires it."

A third security specialist has been assigned to Alex Marquez, Marc's brother.

Dorna will also increase surveillance in the motorhome area, which usually has security during the day, and in Mugello will also be watched at night.