Hodgson backs Bezzecchi to challenge Marquez at COTA
Neil Hodgson feels Marco Bezzecchi has a great chance to get the better of Marc Marquez this weekend at COTA.
The 2026 MotoGP season heads into its third round this weekend as the paddock touches down at the Circuit of the Americas for the United States Grand Prix.
Bezzecchi has started strong, winning both Grands Prix in Thailand and Brazil, while Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez took Sprint Race honours.
Bezzecchi currently sits atop the 2026 standings and could really take control of the title race with another strong performance in Austin.
COTA was once a fortress for Marquez. He won seven Grands Prix there between 2013 and 2021, all during his time with Repsol Honda.
But with Marquez not quite at his best right now, this could be an ideal moment for Bezzecchi to capitalise. Another win would extend his streak to five consecutive victories.
Neil Hodgson says Marco Bezzecchi will ‘smell blood’ at COTA
Neil Hodgson spoke about how this weekend could be a turning point in the championship, sharing his thoughts on Gas It Out before the United States Grand Prix. The 2003 World Superbike Champion said Bezzecchi has a rare chance to beat Marquez on his favourite circuit, which could shift momentum in the title race.
He explained: “This is a massive round in the championship, and you have the chance to beat the King of COTA at his favourite track. It is like he is a boxer, you have just managed to catch him, and you’ve seen his knees just move a little bit, and you think, ‘I have a chance of beating him here.’
“Bezzecchi has to, he has to let the brake off, and be aggressive, they smell blood, and they have to attack. These are your rare opportunities, where if you want to take it to him across the season, you have to try and beat him here.”
Split Views on Marc Marquez Early in the 2026 Season
There are already mixed views about whether Marquez can defend his title and go back-to-back in 2026, especially after a start to the season that’s left some room for doubt.
Pernat commented: “If he does not win there, and lets Bezzecchi beat him, then we will have to start thinking that the championship will be different than expected.”
On the other hand, Max Biaggi still sees Marquez as the frontrunner alongside Ducati, suggesting any current struggles might not reflect the whole picture.
Biaggi remarked: “Ducati and Marquez are the champions and therefore the favourites… Bezzecchi is succeeding now, but we need to understand if Marc is having difficulties that we’re not aware of.”
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