Marc Marquez missing testing could have 'huge implications' on 2026 season, 'nobody knows' what Pecco Bagnaia problems are - Neil Hodgson column
Updated 16/01/2026 at 14:03 GMT
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Neil Hodgson explains in his exclusive TNT Sports column why he believes that Marc Marquez's injury could hamper his preparations for the 2026 season with Ducati Lenovo and give the rest of the pack a chance for the world title. He also reflects on an incredible end to the World Superbikes season, and suggests Nicolo Bulega may pass up the chance to race in MotoGP in the coming weeks.
'We have never seen it from Pecco Bagnaia before' - Ducati rider struggles with weaving bike
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 finale of both the MotoGP campaign, the World Superbikes championship, and the 2026 season ahead.
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Marc Marquez will obviously be devastated with his absence after injury, and the news that he will miss the rest of the season is perhaps not the biggest blow. The fact he will not be able to take part in the upcoming tests for the 2026 package could have huge implications.
Marquez’s involvement would have really helped with the development of next year’s bike, and while it’s a big blow to his Ducati team and his own chances for next year, it might make the 2026 season a more level playing field.
It means that from the start, the world champion is going to be playing catch-up. The Valencia test is vital because, while it’s not the exact finished product, it is the package that Ducati are making their plans with for the next campaign. That bike will have all their best ideas and improvements in place, and now Marc won’t be able to test it out until the next test comes around when he’s fit, in February.
By then, it’s almost too late. All the decisions he might make about the changes he wants won’t be possible. The season will only be three weeks away.
That could be massive, there’s no getting away from it. He’s been so dominant, and that advantage could be ended by his absence. It makes next season an even more tantalising prospect.
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Highlights: Fernandez storms to maiden win at Grand Prix Australia
Video credit: TNT Sports
'Nobody knows' what Bagnaia problems are
For Pecco Bagnaia, his challenges are still ahead of him this season rather than next. It looked like he was going better this morning [in Malaysia], but then he slipped out of the top 10 in the final session and has to go through Q1. That’s far from ideal.
Having said that, things still looked better. He looked normal on the bike, and his race pace could put him in the top five, which is so much better than it has been of late. Even though he’s in Q1, there are more positive signs.
Fundamentally, though, it’s still hard to work out what is going on with him. Nobody knows what the problems are, or those who do know won’t say. It’s a really confusing time.
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'The story goes from bad to worse' - Struggling Bagnaia crashes out at Grand Prix Australia
Video credit: TNT Sports
Bulega 'didn't do it intentionally'
The finish to the World Superbikes was absolutely perfect, one of the best finishes to a season I’ve seen in racing.
I know Nicolo Bulega made contact with Toprak Razgatlioglu in the Sprint race, and it really built up the tension for the final action. Toprak went down, and I genuinely believe that Bulega didn’t do it intentionally. I just don’t think he’s that sort of rider, and it’s not like he was accelerating directly into him.
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'Unbelievable drama' as Razgatlioglu crashes out of Superpole after clash with title rival Bulega
Video credit: TNT Sports
It’s just one of those things that will happen in racing. You hear riders say they will do whatever it takes to win, and I think that’s what Bulega did. He was trying so hard to get in front of Toprak, but he wasn’t trying to knock him off.
As you can imagine, these are split-second decisions and the consequences. You look back at it and analyse it indefinitely, but it’s going to stay a huge talking-point until the next season.
It’s just one of those things. There was a bit of a gap there. He went for it, it didn’t work out, and unfortunately for Toprak he ended up on the floor. It made the final race really exciting, because you just never knew what would happen.
Toprak was amazing, though. He didn’t panic, worked his way through the field and won the championship. He deserved it. He was not on the best bike, but he was the best rider. That was the difference.
Highlights: Fernandez storms to maiden win at Grand Prix Australia
Video credit: TNT Sports
Bulega MotoGP mistake could 'wipe out everything'
Bulega, meanwhile, has a test coming up with the MotoGP bike for Ducati in Jerez. As far as I’m aware, the decision is his. If he likes the bike, if he gels with it, then he can race for them in the last two weeks in MotoGP.
If he doesn’t fancy it, and it doesn't feel right, with his contract in 2026, he can get five tests on the MotoGP bike, so he basically knows he has five guaranteed chances to test. If it’s good, then it’ll put him in a position where Ducati might look to offer him the chance to ride for one of their satellite teams for MotoGP.
Everyone wants to be a MotoGP rider. He won’t want to stay in superbikes for the rest of his life. He’s young enough to move back to MotoGP, but he can’t force it if things don’t feel right this season.
You only have one opportunity to make the first impression. Let’s say he tries it and the tyres feel weird, and he can’t get on with it. He’ll think to himself, ‘Oh my God! I’ve got to race next weekend in the lion’s den against the best riders in the world. If I qualify last and finish last, it'll be embarrassing.’
To come from a superbikes world championship to then finish last, it could wipe out everything you’d ever built. If he doesn’t feel right with the bike, I’d urge him to just wait. There’s no rush.
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'MotoGP times!' - Bulega smashes World SBK lap record at Jerez
Video credit: TNT Sports
'Fascinating' Grand Prix Malaysia ahead
For the race in Malaysia this weekend, usually we have a bit of an idea after the first day’s action, but right now, we’re none the wiser. It might even be more difficult to work out having seen some of the riders.
Alex Marquez is off the pace and has had two crashes already. The in-form Marco Bezzecchi can’t match his previous speed of the last two weekends. Fermin Aldeguer has looked fast but he’s got to get out of Q1 against some big names. That could be a struggle.
The Hondas look quite fast, as does Fabio Di Giannantonio, but this weekend looks so hard to call. It will be fascinating to watch it unfold.
Watch and stream every race of the 2025 MotoGP season live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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