Zürcher Nachrichten - 'Back in love': MotoGP champion Martin stays with Aprilia

"In life we have to take some decisions and now the decision is to stay here in Aprilia for one more season," Martin said at a press conference ahead of the Grand Prix of Czechia.

The 27-year-old Spaniard has been at odds with Italian manufacturer Aprilia after initially saying he intended to activate a release clause in his contract at the end of the season.

Martin is returning to competition after being sidelined for nearly four months by injuries.

After missing the first three races of the season following two pre-season crashes, he started in Qatar in April but crashed on lap 14, suffering injuries including 11 broken ribs.

He said he started to have doubts about his plan to quit while recovering in hospital and not knowing if he would race again.

"From that point I had to to fight for what I thought was the best for me... I'm not an idiot and I see that we together have a lot of potential. We can do really a lot and hopefully I am really prepared for what's coming," Martin added.

He said he could understand that Aprilia were fighting "for their rights" and appreciated how the team "helped me to be in a safe place".

- 'Happy to be here' -

"I think in relationships it's like a roller coaster. You can get in love, then you have some fights, but finally if you like the other person at the end of the day you will work hard to stay together and to fight for your targets," he said.

"For sure we had a big fight with Aprilia, but now is the time to start to build together, because... we want to win in the future.

"So this is the important thing and I think it's possible to get back in love, let's say," Martin added.

Martin admitted he would rather be in the paddock than telling journalists about the move, but he said he wanted to sort the affair out before he hits the track.

He declined to speculate on his form ahead of the Czech GP in Brno as he has managed to compete in just a single race in nine months.

"I have missed 6,000 kilometres so I have to take my patience. I need to take time... I'm happy to be here, I'm happy that I'm strong to get back to the bike," Martin added.

He said there was nothing to apologise for to Aprilia, but admitted he was grateful to the team.

"Maybe in the future, if we win together, I will say thanks to (Aprilia sports director) Massimo (Rivola) for all they did to keep me here."

O.Hofer--NZN