A lookalike races in Marc Marquez’s place: MotoGP in an uproar

A lookalike controversy erupts in MotoGP. Ahead of Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, a go-kart challenge featuring MotoGP riders was held to entertain the Japanese crowd before the start of the main race.

Just before the event was set to begin, suspicious race officials asked the man who was supposed to be Marc Marquez to lift his helmet visor so they could identify him, but the rider with number 93 refused to do so. The man, who later turned out to be a lookalike of the Catalan rider, did not take part in the exhibition race and returned to the pit lane with his kart.

Marquez revealed everything to Motorsport: “There’s a line you shouldn’t cross. Obviously, I understand the show, but we’re fighting for the championship. We’re not here for jokes and go-kart races. During the warm-up, I said I needed ice; someone came out and said it would be nice if I sent a lookalike, so that’s what we did.”

MotoGP reprimanded him: “I got a scolding, but right now you have to be selfish and give it your all when it counts—that is, in the race. I got a good talking-to, but I’m fighting for the championship. I get the spectacle; I get that we have to do something to entertain the fans, but given the spectacle and the risks we already take, I found it completely unnecessary.”

The incident was also commented on by his rival Jorge Martin, who found it quite amusing: “I realized right away it wasn’t him, but I get it. When they told us about the event, I was skeptical. A hit from behind can leave you battered for the race. I slowed down at the first corner and stayed there with the slower riders.”