MotoGP: Neil Hodgson hails 'textbook' victory for 'unbeatable' Alex Marquez in 'difficult conditions' at Grand Prix Malaysia

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BK8 Gresini rider Alex Marquez ended the Grand Prix Malaysia weekend with a second-place finish in Saturday's Sprint race, victory in the full-length event on Sunday, and a confirmed runner-up spot in the world title race. Speaking to TNT Sports after the win, expert Neil Hodgson was impressed by the Spaniard's performance in what were hugely difficult temperatures.

'He had to do it!' - Marquez moves past Bagnaia to take lead at Grand Prix Malaysia

Video credit: TNT Sports

TNT Sports expert Neil Hodgson hailed an impressive "textbook" win for Alex Marquez at Grand Prix Malaysia on Sunday.

Marquez ended the weekend with a guaranteed second place in the world championship after claiming second in the Sprint on Saturday, and then going one better in the full-length race.

For the BK8 Gresini rider, it marked a return to form after some mid-season struggles that allowed his older brother, Ducati Lenovo’s Marc Marquez, a relatively easy path to his comeback world title, after it had initially appeared the season would be a tough battle between the siblings.

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Marquez started the race on the front row, but it appeared that Ducati Lenovo’s other rider, Francesco Bagnaia, could repeat his victory from the Sprint the day before.

The Italian pushed into a small lead, but it was clear that Marquez had the quicker pace and ultimately moved past him into the lead.

Pedro Acosta then usurped Bagnaia, who would later retire with three laps to go with what appeared to be a problem with his rear tyre.

It was a blow for the rider as he had found himself at odds with his team over finding a lack of feeling from his bike until recent success with a double victory at Grand Prix Japan, and another retirement will be tough to take.

Acosta was unable to put any meaningful pressure on Marquez as he held on for victory, and with two races remaining, he appears well-positioned to keep up his impressive performance next in Portimao, Portugal, before the season-ender in Valencia in Spain - both shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - as well as the last testing session of the season.

'He has to do it now' - Acosta moves into second ahead of Bagnaia at Grand Prix Malaysia

Video credit: TNT Sports

Speaking to TNT Sports after the race, Hodgson reflected on an impressive showing from the younger Marquez brother.

He said of the Spaniard’s performance: "Unbeatable. He didn't get the start - we thought that might be it. But you could see his intention straight away on that opening lap.

"He risked losing a bit of rear tyre and pounced very quickly on Pecco Bagnaia. Got a one-hand-a-half to two-second lead, and controlled the race."

Earlier in the race, Hodgson had remarked at how hard it was for riders to deal with the sweltering heat in Sepang, saying that with the intense temperatures, they would be battling discomfort in their hands and feet, and would find it tough to properly control their bikes.

'He needs to get out of the way quickly' - Bagnaia loses podium spot after late retirement

Video credit: TNT Sports

However, he praised Marquez for his consistency and calmness in what was an exacting race, adding: "That is a textbook ride.

"Class act, no mistakes in difficult, difficult conditions, obviously with the heat and humidity. Superb ride."

In the rest of the podium spots, Red Bull KTM's Acosta was able to take second spot, while Joan Mir of Honda was in third place.

Franco Morbidelli (VR46) and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) were fourth and fifth respectively.

Watch and stream every race of the 2025 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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