With no rider on the grid having raced MotoGP’s current prototype machinery at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Neil Hodgson reckons Marc Marquez could be one of the main beneficiaries.
This season’s new addition to the calendar gives Marquez a shot at adding another circuit to his growing list of wins. But there has also been plenty of talk about whether the layout might not suit him as well as others.
The circuit, which runs clockwise, naturally puts more stress on his right side – an area that still hasn’t fully recovered since his 2020 injury.
With Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi shaping up as the main challenger to Ducati’s recent form, some worry that Brazil might highlight Marquez’s weak points. But not everyone in the paddock sees it that way.
Neil Hodgson backs Marc Marquez to excel in Brazil despite circuit doubts
Speaking on the Gas It Out podcast ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, former MotoGP rider Neil Hodgson was asked which rider might benefit most from the return to racing at the Autodromo Internacional de Goiania.
The 2026 race marks the sport’s first trip back to Brazil since 2004 and the first official Brazilian Grand Prix since Wayne Rainey took victory with Yamaha in 1992.
No one on today’s grid has real race experience at Goiania outside of a few Superbike tests or exhibition laps. That’s why Hodgson believes this could work in Marquez’s favour.
“Who’s it going to suit? It’s going to suit Marc Marquez, 100%. Do you remember when we went to Termas for the first time? The track was filthy, and he went out, and in the first laps, he was like three seconds a lap quicker than everyone,” Hodgson said.
“They eventually caught up to him during that session. Maybe he’s a different man now though, Marc. That was Marc of 13 years ago who just took a lot of risks all the time and just loved it.”
“But what we’ve learned over the years is that when there’s no grip and it’s a dirty track, he can use his skill – his talent – more than others. He usually has an advantage then.
“So I’d say it’s going to play into Marc’s hands. He does that quite well normally.”
Heavy rain threatens to impact MotoGP’s return to Brazil
Racing in Brazil this weekend is already in doubt after the Autodromo Internacional de Goiania was hit by heavy rainfall ahead of the event.
Photos posted online show parts of the paddock completely flooded, with standing water visible around several sections of the circuit.
Despite an anonymous team boss expressing concerns about conditions, Pedro Acosta has said he’s happy with how the surface feels so far.
Even so, rain is expected to stick around throughout all three days of action, which could disrupt sessions and shake up running plans for teams and riders. The weather could create a chaotic weekend, adding another layer of unpredictability to an already wide-open race.
Read more: