Spanish MotoGP rider Jorge Martin admits he feared for his life in a crash with French rival Francesco Bagnaia during the season opener.
A frightening crash marred the Qatar Grand Prix when Ducati Lenovo’s Bagnaia tried to overtake Martin on the approach to turn one on lap 12, only to clip the Pramac Racing rider.
They both flew off the track at 150kph and ended in the gravel, in an incident that wiped both from the race.
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Martin revealed he wasn’t harbouring any hard feelings toward Bagnaia, saying “the crash sometimes happens”, but he gave a chilling insight into the accident.
“It was the first time I had fear about my life because I was really fast into the gravel between both bikes,” Martin said.
“I think I pushed Pecco’s bike with my hand and there is where I had the pain. So, it’s just the big finger (where) I have pain and let’s check tomorrow if it’s OK. I have a lot of pain in my right hand, so we will check it tomorrow in Barcelona.
“I hope nothing is broken and we can race well in Indonesia.”
Bagnaia apologised to Martin and explained what he believed to be the cause of the crash.
“I was recovering positions but my speed was not so high,” Bagnaia said.
“I was losing too much time in the acceleration, and we have to understand why.
“I was a bit late to entry (into the corner) on Jorge, but the braking was not too hard.
“So, it has been quite strange to have this front locking in this moment.
“I have just to say sorry to Ducati and to Pramac and Jorge.”
Italian Enea Bastianini won the Qatar Grand Prix.
Australian Jack Miller had a dreadful start to the season, retiring after six laps.
The field will next race in Indonesia on March 20.
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