Key elements of the undulating track. Victory for Marc Marquez would be “sensational”. Digital panels are a good thing for motorcycle racing.

Alex Hofmann knows what he’s talking about: the 41-year-old rode in MotoGP himself up until 2007 and has been a recognised TV expert for many years. In 2021, he is once again part of the ServusTV team that will broadcast every race from the MotoGP event in Germany live. Hofmann takes a close look at the features of the LIQUI MOLY Grand Prix of Germany at the Sachsenring.

Mr. Hofmann, over the course of your career you have contested nine Grand Prix races at the Sachsenring. What are the key factors for a rider here?

Hofmann: “The Sachsenring is one of a kind. It is not a classic racetrack, but a driver safety centre, which has grown into a Grand Prix circuit over the years, simply because the fans were there. It is the smallest and shortest circuit on the calendar and has the longest left-hander in the world. As such, you spend a lot of time leaning. It is physically tiring, because you don’t spend so much time turning left anywhere else.”

Which bike is best suited to the Sachsenring?

Hofmann: “The bike has to have a good set-up, in terms of the chassis and the tyres. On this relatively short circuit, the MotoGP riders have to make perfect use of every millimetre.”

Marc Marquez is unbeaten since 2010 at the LIQUI MOLY Motorcycle Grand Prix of Germany. What are his chances of extending that run after his long break with an injury?

Hofmann: “Marc Marquez is still not the old Marc. It will be the weekend of truth: how strong will he be at the Sachsenring? The injury to his upper arm and shoulder area on the right side of his body will not cause him so many problems. He clearly loves the racetrack, so it will give us a real indication of where he is at. Were he to win, it would be sensational for him.”

Who has the best chance of ending Marquez’s winning run?

Hofmann: “This year, at this racetrack: Fabio Quartararo, Maverick Vinales, and possibly a Suzuki rider, if the team makes a good start to the weekend. The potential of KTM and Honda is also fascinating. Will they make a leap forward?

MotoGP has extended the contract with the ADAC for the LIQUI MOLY Motorcycle Grand Prix of Germany. The Sachsenring remains on the calendar until 2026. What do you make of that?

Hofmann: “There is no alternative to the Sachsenring in Germany. The German Grand Prix simply belongs there. The region looks forward to it all year. My dream would be to have packed grandstands again next year.”

One new feature in MotoGP this year is the use of LED signals to support the flags. What do you think of that?

Hofmann: “The new panels are now standard in Formula 1 and MotoGP. This is definitely a good thing, because you can also hang digital panels in places that are easy to see for Formula 1 drivers and MotoGP riders. In addition, you also have the rider display, flags and, of course, the marshals. However, it is much harder to see all the flags out of the corner of your eye whilst leaning on a motorbike. For this reason, I believe that this is even more beneficial for motorcycle racing than it is for car racing, where you usually have a very, very good overview of what is going on.”