Marco Bezzecchi
Despite Marc Marquez showcasing an utter masterclass last time out at Balaton Park, MotoGP pundit Neil Hodgson has revealed that one question is still lingering over the reigning world champion at this weekend’s Czech Grand Prix.
The factory Ducati ace was untouchable at the most recent round of racing in Hungary, securing a perfect weekend as he claimed his first Grand Prix victory of 2026 following his rout in the Balaton Park Sprint race.
If Marc Marquez’s 2019 Czech pole lap isn’t the best in MotoGP history, then what is?
Marquez was 2.5s clear on slick tyres in the wet!
While he still sits 72 points adrift of Marco Bezzecchi in the MotoGP standings, Marquez has made it clear throughout the entirety of his highly successful career in the premier class that he simply cannot be ruled out until he is mathematically out of contention.
In fact, it seems like the only person in the MotoGP paddock who is playing down Marquez’s title chances is the Spaniard himself. However, there is one lingering question that the sport’s biggest figures are hoping will be answered this weekend.
- READ MORE: Czech Grand Prix predictions as MotoGP experts decide if Marc Marquez can start a title bid at Brno
Neil Hodgson reveals the question ‘everyone’ is asking about Marc Marquez in the Brno paddock
Speaking via TNT Sports’ live coverage of FP1 at the Masarykring in Brno, former MotoGP rider Neil Hodgson revealed the overwhelming consensus regarding Marquez’s return from injury inside the premier class paddock.
Who is going to win the Czech Grand Prix, and why?
After being asked by co-presenter Suzi Perry whether Marquez can now start to get the wheels rolling and build some momentum in his title defence, the 2003 World Superbikes champion said (09:54 19/06), “Well, that is the million-dollar question; no one knows.
“The beauty of being here this weekend is that we will find the answer to that question. That is the one question when you walk around the paddock, like I have been doing, everyone is asking. That is the chat. Was it a one-off for Marc Marquez? We will find out.
“The reality is, the beauty of this track for Marc is that there are five left-hand corners that will suit him. They are his style of the left-hand corners, where you’re braking into it and where he can make up time.
“There are eight right-hand corners. So even though it is a clockwise track, there’s still plenty of places for him to make that advantage back. Also, there’s plenty of rest on this track. It’s similar to Mugello, but with much more rest.”
After deliberating over the potential of Marquez answering the same question that everyone is currently asking about him, Hodgson delivered his final verdict, adding, “I’ve gone the long way around answering it, but I think he’s going to be fine this weekend.
“We’ll see Marc at his best. I think he’ll be fit enough and strong enough to fight for the win in the long race.”
Marquez led the timing sheets in FP1 at Brno, suggesting Hodgson’s prediction for him this weekend in Czechia may end up coming to fruition by the time the chequered flag falls on Sunday afternoon.
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