Neil Hodgson Column: Double for Marc Marquez at Brno would make him MotoGP title favourite once more

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A double win at Grand Prix Czechia could make Marc Marquez the 2026 MotoGP world title favourite, according to TNT Sports expert Neil Hodgson.

Highlights - Marquez brings up 100th MotoGP to complete stunning Grand Prix Hungary double

Video credit: TNT Sports

Neil Hodgson is providing expert insight to TNT Sports throughout the MotoGP season.

In his latest column, he shares his thoughts on the upcoming MotoGP in Czechia.

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Marc Marquez has again played down his chances ahead of a race weekend, this time before the action starts in Brno.

I don’t think he stands to gain anything from lying about it, and it’s clear he is not 100% fit. After the recent surgery, and the accident back in October in Indonesia, there’s no way he could be.

Marc has all the experience that comes with being a veteran now, and he’s always going to play down anything that would invite pressure. There’s no need for him to say he’s going to monster everyone this weekend.

So, this is exactly the approach I would expect from him. He knows exactly what he’s capable of. Me, though, I genuinely think he’s fit enough to beat anybody in his way this weekend.

That said, the Aprilia has the advantage this weekend. It’s the best bike on the grid, and it turns really well. It’s a little like Mugello, and they were clearly the dominant bike that weekend.

What we need to find out is if Marc is good enough and fit enough to be the difference for the bike. That’s the focus for Czechia.

Tardozzi praises Marquez's unique 'mental attitude' after Grand Prix Hungary double

Video credit: TNT Sports

The win for Marquez last weekend was more than just about points. It’s about the presence he brings to the track. For almost all the riders alongside him, he will have been their hero, especially the younger ones.

Pedro Acosta is a perfect example, even if he’s now claiming to be more of a Valentino Rossi man as their burgeoning rivalry has begun. I think the two of them will enjoy the tussle over the coming months before they team up next season.

But for the competition, his return to form must live in their subconscious. Back from injury struggles and he cleans up once more. A typical Marquez weekend.

He destroyed them, and it will be at the back of their mind that this could be another moment in his exceptional history.

At the same time, the Aprilia duo of Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi simply can't think like that. They must know that it could be their best opportunity ever to land the title and exploit Ducati's weakness.

They have the machine advantage. They must capitalise on this, because every chance of success in MotoGP is ultimately finite. This is a track that suits Aprilia, not Ducati.

Highlights: Marquez delivers classic performance to win Grand Prix Hungary Sprint

Video credit: TNT Sports

Over the last month or so, it has felt like every round in the championship has been an important one, and once again this weekend could have significant after-effects.

If we find out that an 80%-fit Marc Marquez can win in Brno, then he could win everywhere else still to come, too.

There are enough rounds left in the tank for Marquez to stage a comeback. There are so many points up for grabs that if Marc does the double this weekend, you’d have to think he is the favourite.

It would be so close between him, Bezzecchi and Martin, and tough to pick a standout favourite despite the fact Marquez would still be trailing in the standings.

This weekend, I’m tipping Marquez to win - how could I not? - but it’s a track that favours the Aprilias.

The factory team should be challenging, but so will Trackhouse’s Ai Ogura, who keeps getting stronger. Acosta will want to leave an impression, too.

Returning Alex Marquez will show no fear

I was pretty surprised to see that Alex Marquez could be back and match-fit for BK8 Gresini.

It’s bizarre to think that despite breaking a vertebrae and needing surgery on his collarbone, his return is likely to come this month. It’s a remarkable recovery.

I’ve discussed this before, but Alex won’t be scared. He will be thinking, of course, that he came close to death, but he will also fully believe that something like that just won’t happen again.

It’s a typical rider’s mindset, and the only one that lets you push your body and the bike to their limits and beyond.

Instead of fear, he’ll be annoyed. He’ll be frustrated with the pain and lingering injuries that will hold him back on the track.

All he will want is to be comfortable on the bike and competitive in the championship once again. There won’t be any gremlins.

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