‘Diego Maradona of MotoGP’ Marc Marquez ready to battle Fabio Quartararo in 2022
The 2022 MotoGP is ready for lights out ahead of what is set to be a spectacular year.
The Qatar Grand Prix is the first event of the record-breaking 21-race season with riders and fans alike raring to go as Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo defends his world title from the likes of Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia, Suzuki’s Joan Mir and Honda’s six-time world champion Marc Marquez.
With so many names in the mix for the title, British former motorcycle racer Neil Hodgson cannot wait for the season to get underway ahead of what he believes will be a banner year for the sport.
“In terms of machinery and the drivers’ ability, the field is so close across the board; almost any rider could win the race on the day if things just go for them,” Hodgson exclusively told The Daily Star .
“I can’t remember a time where we’re all genuinely motivated for what is going to be such a close season in MotoGP. It’s basically designed for pundits to look stupid.”
If there is one thing to be excited about – and for pundits to avoid looking stupid – it’s backing Marquez. The Spaniard is one of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time, and is set to be fully fit after suffering injuries in each of the past two years.
Marquez suffered a broken humerus in 2020 and sat out the final two races of 2021 to focus on total rehabilitation for this campaign. Last time Marquez raced, the 29-year-old won – but he had a training crash as well as the resurfacing of an eye injury which has plagued him in the past.
There are question marks surrounding the Honda rider, but Hodgson expects Marquez to provide emphatic answers.
“Marc Marquez is the greatest motorcycle racer I’ve ever seen in my life,” Hodgson declared. “No one has ever come close. I’ve never seen anyone with the determination, the drive, the talent – but also so addicted to the endorphins of winning.
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“Marquez is a machine, and I honestly think we’re going to see fireworks this year. I can’t wait because it looks like Honda have made big changes to the bike. Marc isn’t here for money or to finish second: he’s here to win and he’ll destroy everyone in his path. He will do whatever it takes.”
Marquez is often considered a pioneer of modern MotoGP racing due to his relatively exaggerated cornering technique of appearing to lean so far over the bike, he is constantly on the edge of crashing out.
He races to the limit, and Hodgson respects the desire to win: “Look, sometimes he crosses the line. Sometimes I don't agree with his methods, but part of me admires that ridiculous determination. He is the Diego Maradona of our sport – he’d handball if he had to.
“He just wants to win more than anyone else.”
If Marquez is going to win, he will need to outperform the reigning champion Quartararo. The Frenchman won the championship in his first season with Yamaha in 2021, collecting five victories and 10 podiums during a dominant campaign.
The 22-year-old has voiced his concerns with his machinery coming into the new campaign, but Hodgson has a theory that it is all smoke and mirrors as Quartararo seeks stability at the top of the grid before signing his new contract.
“Fabio is the champion and probably will want to stay at Yamaha. He wants the bike to be the best it can be, so he’s banging the drum insisting the bike needs continuous development,” Hodgson, who won the 2003 Superbike World Championship, added.
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“Fabio is a very clever lad. I think he's playing the game perfectly, but it’s weird because the defending champion has somehow turned into an underdog for the title. Keep your eye on him.”
With so many exciting drivers on the grid in 2022, it’s easy to forget that the greatest and most iconic name in MotoGP history, Valentino Rossi, has walked away from the sport.
Marquez and Quartararo are among the names that will try to replace Rossi as the biggest name in motorcycle racing – but Hodgson does not believe it is a possible feat.
“Nobody will replace Valentino, that’s a fact. The face of MotoGP in the history books will be Valentino Rossi,” Hodgson said. “He is missed in the paddock, but he didn't play a major role in our storylines in the races last season.
“I can't see anyone taking over that mantle. Marc Marquez is the best motorcycle racer ever seen – but there is only one Valentino Rossi.”
When asked about making a pick to win the 2022 MotoGP world title, Hodgson laughed: “That question is designed to make me look stupid! Your guess is as good as mine to be honest.
“I’m going to go with Marc Marquez. He’s back – and he’s going to be world champion again.”
BT Sport is the home of MotoGP in the UK. Catch all the action from the opening Grand Prix of the 2022 season exclusively live on BT Sport including practice, qualifying and the race. The weekend’s action starts from 8.45am on Friday 4 th March on BT Sport 2.
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