MotoGP world champion Jorge Martin says while in the hospital after crashing at the Qatar Grand Prix, “I didn’t know if I could ride again or not.”
Martin returned to MotoGP with Brno this weekend, since crashing from the Lou Sail race in April.
The Spanish rider confirmed at a press conference before the event at the Czech Grand Prix that he will remain at the Aprilia race next year after months of speculation that linked him to the move to Honda.
Martin also discussed the mental challenges of his injury journey, particularly in a hospital in Qatar.
“I think I’m confident. I think I had a bit of a struggle when I was in a hospital in Qatar,” Jorge Martin said at a press conference before the event at BRNO.
“But I think I’ve been fully trained, I’m more prepared than ever.
“The courage I have – I didn’t know how much courage I had, and now I know it is in me.
Expanding his mental struggle while in hospital, Martin said: “When I was in the hospital, I didn’t know if I could ride again. This was the main issue. I was in the (ICU) for four days.
“It’s true, I was talking to my girlfriend, my dad and Alex (Espargaro), and I was wondering if I could have returned to my MotoGP bike.
“Now start with everything, if I get faster again, if I get stronger again, there’s a lot of professional side.
“In my personal perspective, I was just trying to calm down and take my time.”