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Toprak is back! At Aragon, the Turk is back in the paddock following his nasty crash at Magny-Cours during FP2. The BMW rider was able to meet with the media present at the circuit to explain what he has been dealing with in recent weeks.
The pneumothorax injury forced him to miss two rounds, but now here he is back on the starting blocks riding his BMW. He will take part in FP1 on Friday, after which he will be reassessed for the remainder of the weekend.
"I am really very happy to be back here together with all of you," he began, "in these 3 weeks I have been trying to work to get back on track as soon as possible. In this period I missed everything: the paddock, my team, the fans, my bike."
How do you describe these weeks?
"It's been a boring few weeks and I'm here to win, since I've never succeeded at Aragon in my career. I have tried several times in the past to get on the top step, now I would like that victory that I have been waiting for for so long. I know we have a challenging Friday ahead of us, because I will struggle, but I know that by working I can get back to winning."
We know you carried several days at the Red Bull Center in Austria...
"That's right! I was in Austria at the Red Bull Center to continue my recovery process, and all the doctors helped me to get back on track as soon as possible. From the outside I looked fit, but the problem was this air bubble in my lung."
When did you learn that the problem was solved?
"Two days ago the doctors told me the situation was normal: upon hearing the news I almost cried because I knew I could finally get back on the bike. I'm here because I want to get back to winning and fighting for the title, which is to all intents and purposes my goal, given my efforts."
How are you doing physically?
"I still don't feel 100 percent physically. I could say 80%-90%. Mentally, on the other hand, I'm very motivated and looking forward to being back on the bike."
Have you thought about the risk of losing the title?
"Of course! I knew I was risking losing the World Championship and that's why I'm here fighting again."
How difficult was it to give up the Cremona round?
"The doctors simply told me that this air bubble was still present and as a precautionary measure I did not leave for Cremona. The day before yesterday, however, I learned that the situation was okay and I immediately left to come here."
Did you see the pictures of the accident again?
"Yes! I was very lucky because the airbag worked very well and thanks to that I am here again. The lack of the airfence? I don't want to raise controversy because as we all know this is a risky sport. So I want to forget about France and think about the Aragon race and the title."
On social media we have seen many messages of support and affection for you...
"I have received about 500 messages over the past few weeks. I haven't read them all yet, but I will. I also decided not to use social media until the day I would be back on track again. Now here I am."
Did you see Petrucci's victory in Cremona?
"Of course! Danilo did a great job and deserved to win, I think it was a great weekend for him. He worked so hard to get to this well-deserved finish."
Toprak, what do you think about the possibility of racing in Turkey next year?
"If Superbike were to come back to Turkey I would be very happy because in these years the championship has grown a lot and there is a lot of passion. The only thing that makes me turn my nose up is that I would have so much pressure to deal with. I am, however, hopeful for a return in 2025."
