We don't know if HRC knew about this video or not, but we can try to imagine the shock on the face of Honda officials when they saw it first. Seeing their main MotoGP rider and two-time premier class World Champion indulging in freestyle MX stunts must have sent chills down their spines.
Dirt riding and "traditional" motocross are among the most common training sports for professional road racers, from MotoGP riders to the Isle of Man legends. However, backflips and similar stunts are most likely forbidden in a special chapter in the contracts of the top MotoGP riders, as are many other fun activities.
The risks of becoming injured are simply too high, and the teams are not willing to take them, hence the strict rules of the game for these guys. And this is exactly why watching this video was so funny, even though it's a fake.
An almost perfect fake, but it takes a keen eye to see why
Those watching the video for the first time will probably miss the point where reality is mixed with fiction, but once we unveil the critical aspect that must be observed, things are clear as daylight.
Basically, the video comprises two recordings, skillfully mixed into a single piece of footage that can definitely trick the unsuspecting eye. Even though everything looks legit, right after the bike leaves the ramp, we're watching another guy doing the backflip, on another motorcycle.
MM93's bike is a 4-stroke Honda with two silencers, but the bike in mid-air is a 2-stroke machine with only one exhaust, and the expansion chamber can also be easily spotted. We accented it with arrows, so you know exactly what to look for.
During landing we see Marquez once more, shot from a carefully studied angle, laying the bike on the left side. Still, you'll have no trouble seeing that he rides the same 4-stroke as in the beginning of the video.
As to those who are wondering why Marc Marquez would fake a backflip, you should know that the Catholic world celebrates Dia de Los Santos Inocentes on the 28th of December, the winter equivalent of April Fool's Day. Have you read about Rossi and Pedrosa signing with Suzuki?
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