MotoGP experts predict the United States Grand Prix as Marc Marquez tries to silence his critics.

Since the American Grand Prix arrived at COTA, Márquez has scored seven wins at the circuit, but still hasn’t won at the Texas Grand Prix since the 2021 season with Repsol Honda. Marquez, Alex Rins, Innea Bastianini, Maverick Vinales and Bagnaia won at COTA.

After winning both the Thai and Brazilian Grands Prix, Marco Bezecchi MotoGP leads the world championship when Paddock arrives in Texas for the third round in 2026 MotoGP seasonBut he still did not claim victory in the Sprint race in the early stages of the year.

Despite not winning the opening two rounds of the season’s Grand Prix, Marquez finished second in Thailand, beating Fabio Di Giannantonio, before securing Sprint Racing’s victory at Goiania last time out.

But now we are back in the district where Marquez dominated, the question is whether he will return to his winning ways.

So with that in mind, MotoGP News professional team of writers They have made their predictions for the 2026 US GP! Be sure to join the conversation TalkingPoints With your prediction!

Who will take the pole position at COTA for the 2026 United States Grand Prix?

David Comerford – Marc Marquez: Welcome, Marc Marquez. This is his track, he won the Sprint in Goiania and for all the problems he had earlier this year I don’t see anyone getting ahead of him this weekend.

Lweek noone – Marc Marquez: Having failed to secure pole position in Thailand and Brazil, Marquez will be looking to prove himself in this weekend’s US GP. He has started from pole eight times on the American circuit, and I believe he will achieve pole nine this weekend.

Kyle Archer – Marc Marquez: MotoGP has not yet seen a repeat polesitter in 2026, and the United States Grand Prix Marc Marquez will be the favorite to qualify at COTA. Neil Hodgson felt Marquez changed his riding style in Brazil. And he seems more comfortable in qualifying, and the Spaniard is very comfortable in the COTA environment.

Tyler Rowlinson – Marc Marquez: COTA is one of Marc Marquez’s favorite hunting grounds and if he’s on the spot he could dominate around the circuit. This weekend is a great opportunity for the Ducati rider to reassert his authority on the championship, and he will do so in pole position.

MotoGP experts predict the 2026 United States Grand Prix stage.

David Comerford – Marquez, Martin, Bezeci Márquez will take the win and momentum into the break, avoiding the mistakes that plagued him last year. We still see two Apreas on stage, but Martin is ahead of Bezeci this time.

Luke Newman – Bezecchi, Marquez, Martin Marc Marquez will not secure a US Grand Prix victory for the second year in a row. I believe that Marco Bezecchi will continue his winning streak for Aprilia after his excellent performances in Thailand and Brazil. In America, I expect another victory. Marquez finally made it to the Grand Prix podium this season, finishing second, with Jorge Martin completing the podium in third.

Kyle Archer – Bezcicci, Marquez, Martin: Marc Marquez is the COTA king but hasn’t won in Austin, Texas since 2021, and Marco Bezecchi will extend the Spaniard’s dry run into 2026 thanks to the Aprilia RS-GP’s superior cornering ability compared to the Ducati GP26. George Martin will close the US platform and build on the Brazilian platform.

Tyler Rowlinson – Marquez, Bezcicci, Martin: Bezecchi and Aprilia have won the last four MotoGP races, and since his return, Marquez has been unable to catch them. But his intensity around COTA will give him the edge this weekend and end Beszcicci’s hot run for his first win since San Marino last year. Even with both factory bikes on the podium, Aprilia puts up a strong fight.

Which MotoGP rider will be the biggest shocker at the 2026 United States Grand Prix?

David Comerford – Diego Moreira I’d say Diogo Moreira bags his first top 10 finish. The first couple races were quietly impressive.

Luke Newman – Luca Marini Previously, riding for VR46, Luca Marini had success in America, and I believe he will secure his first top-five finish of the season at Honda this weekend.

Kyle Archer – Brad Binder How easily rival riders found Pedro Acosta during the Brazilian Grand Prix could be a matter of KTM’s 1.18km (0.73m) COTA in 2026. But as KTM has paid a premium to make the RC16 a more complete bike.Acosta led the standings after Thailand, which should encourage Brad Binder in the United States.

Tyler Rowlinson – Johan Zarco: Honda is making steady progress in 2026, and Zarco is once again the manufacturer’s leading rider, thanks to Joan Mir being Joan Mir and falling out of contention. The Frenchman put in a strong performance at COTA last year before he got too upset and one would think he would be in contention for a top five win this weekend.

Which MotoGP rider will be the biggest disappointment at the US circuit?

David Comerford – Fabio D’Gianantonio After a good weekend in Brazil, I fear that Fabio Di Giannantonio will fail. Inconsistency is the recent reversal of both VR46 drivers.

Luke Newman – Pedro Acosta After a good start to the season in Thailand, I believe Pedro Acosta is out in Brazil, and I believe he will have another average weekend in America, and continue to slide down the championship ladder.

Kyle Archer – Francesco Bagnaia: A year ago, Francesco Bagnaia won the 2025 American Grand Prix after crashing out of the lead for Marc Marquez. But the Italian now returns to COTA looking to avoid another mistake in qualifying and find answers. Bagnaya doesn’t understand why he is fighting racially. After the seventh DNF in the last nine rounds in Brazil.

Tyler Rowlinson – Francesco Bagnaia: It’s been a nightmare start for Peko until 2026, and one doesn’t see that changing anytime soon. Bagnaya is lost on the bike and seems to have lost confidence. I fear another Q1 exit may be on the cards.