MotoGP: Neil Hodgson predicts 'carnage' at Grand Prix Qatar and tips Marc Marquez for victory despite practice setback for six-time champion
Updated 12/04/2025 at 09:02 GMT+1
Lusail International Circuit in Qatar is the perfect track for "carnage, crashes and collisions" according to TNT Sports expert Neil Hodgson, as Marc Marquez will look to claim his third Grand Prix win of the season and restore his place at the top of the standings. Francesco Bagnaia will be sure to run him close, but what does Hodgson make of this weekend's action at Grand Prix Qatar?
'He's going to struggle' - Martin deals with wrist pain on return during Qatar practice
Video credit: TNT Sports
Neil Hodgson believes that the track at Lusail International Circuit is the perfect recipe for "carnage" at Grand Prix Qatar - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Franco Morbidelli was fastest in practice on Friday, pipping both Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, who had to settle for the third-fastest time.
Meanwhile, Jorge Martin returned to the track and, despite struggling with a wrist problem, the Spaniard set a respectable time in 20th.
Former superbikes world champion Hodgson had a chance to check out the track ahead of Saturday's action, and has predicted a chaotic race full of "crashes and collisions".
"What a track, the smoothest surface I've ever experienced, it's like a billiards table all the way around," Hodgson told TNT Sports.
"What's quite unique about this place is you're riding in the dark, so you can't see anything except the track.
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Martin steps on to the track for the first time this season in Qatar to begin title defence
Video credit: TNT Sports
"You can see the edge of the track, but you can't see the barriers. It's like you're playing a video and I've got to say, I quite enjoyed it.
"The weird part is, when you tip into the corner, you see your own shadow, so you feel like someone is trying to pass you. It's a strange sensation.
"Come the race, when someone is attempting a pass, you might think it's your own shadow and lean in.
"I'm predicting carnage, I'm predicting some crashes and collisions. We've seen it a lot around here where riders touch each other on the corners. It should be entertaining."
Looking ahead to the race on Sunday, Hodgson gave his thoughts on what he expects from what he has seen in practice so far.
"Marquez wasn't fastest. We've seen him dominate all season, he's won five out of the six races and topped a lot of practice sessions, but not this afternoon when it counted," he told TNT Sports.
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Morbidelli beats Bagnaia and Marquez to top spot in Qatar practice
Video credit: TNT Sports
"All the talk this weekend was, this is a Bagnaia track, if he was going to beat Marquez in this championship, he has to stamp his authority on these tracks.
"Today, he did. It's 1-0 to Bagnaia, but there are no points for practice, so let's see tomorrow."
Despite his reflection on Friday's action, there was only one name on Hodgson's mind when he was asked to predict a winner.
"My predicted winner is... drum roll... Marc Marquez. Don't hate me! It's just what I think."
How to watch Grand Prix Qatar on TNT Sports and discovery+
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