Grand Prix Spain winner Alex Marquez lauded by Neil Hodgson as Michael Laverty says Marco Bezzecchi is in 'control' - ‘He got to experience heaven’

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Neil Hodgson has advised Alex Marquez to remember his success at Grand Prix Spain as a career highlight that few get to experience.

Alex Marquez

Image credit: Getty Images

BK8 Gresini rider Marquez finished second in the world title race last season, but until this weekend, he had largely been well off the best pace set by others.

Marquez crashed out of Saturday’s Sprint, won by his older sibling Marc, in chaotically wet circumstances.

He had enjoyed success last year in Jerez, and he won his second consecutive Grand Prix Spain with a controlled effort that saw him sweep past Marc and then hold off a challenge from Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi, who finished in second place.

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After the race, the winner went to the crowd to celebrate in front of his home country’s MotoGP fans, and TNT Sports pundit Hodgson reflected on what it would mean to the Spaniard, who was enjoying his first victory of the campaign so far.

He said: "It's what he needed. The pressure was on all weekend. He's been the favourite. Since the start of the race, he's been the favourite.

"Let's be honest, he raced a boring race through his class. No mistakes. Consistency. Probably saw the lap times. Consistency in these ridiculously hot, greasy conditions - absolutely perfect to watch.

'What dreams are made of' - Alex Marquez celebrates victory at Grand Prix Spain

Video credit: TNT Sports

"He stretched the field. Some big gaps, if you look. He completely obliterated the field."

As he watched Marquez celebrate, he added: "He's such a likeable character. We've known Alex for a long time. He's never changed. He's not arrogant at all. He's a really polite [man].

"Every time you've been in agony, every time you've been in the gym. Enjoy it. In a career there are periods when these moments come, you realise even more so when you retire.

"You look back and go, 'wow! That happened'. Alex Marquez gets to experience heaven. You can't buy that, no matter how much money you've got."

Hodgson’s TNT Sports colleague Michael Laverty said Marquez "had an answer for everything today". He added: "Full credit to Alex. He was in control, sublime."

Looking at another successful podium for VR46 Ducati rider Fabio Di Giannantonio, who was third, he said: "Diggi was impressive, and sounded slightly disappointed. Not happy with whatever decision he had made ahead of the race. It's one of those things. Another podium.

"Ducati's back to the fore - not the manufacturer [factory team]."

'Marc Marquez has crashed out!' - Disaster for world champion at Grand Prix Spain

Video credit: TNT Sports

Turning to Bezzecchi, he said the current championship leader had raced smartly by taking second instead of risking his own wipeout after a frantic sprint race.

"Yeah, 20 points [won by Bezzecchi]," he answered. "He keeps building in terms of the championship. When Marc's on the deck, if he'd have thrown it away chasing Alex, he’d be kicking himself tonight.

"To have, out of the first four races, only missing five points. Aprilia and Marco are really in control."

Stream every race of the 2026 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

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