It was very sad that the accident happened there. If it was in Namur or Lierop then I would have understood, but it was such a stupid fall, a pointless crash. I felt the knee go right away. I heard the ligaments snap twice as my knee went 90º the wrong way. I knew that the season was pretty much over as I lay there in agony. As I got to the ambulance and then travelled back to France it felt strange to know that everything had all stopped so suddenly.
I started to think about the recovery and what it would mean for next year but I was also aware that there are others worse-off than me so it was not something to dwell on. That is racing and the way things go sometimes.
Q: How will you keep occupied over the next few months?
MP: I am trying to keep busy and doing some things around the house, which we are renovating. I will spend the next three months healing my knee and doing whatever is necessary. I will take a few weeks holiday with the family in November or December and also attend the Milan show. I have a few Motocross duties to do but I would like to take a break away from the sport.
My only concern is coming back to speed after five months and how long it will take me to do that. I am lucky that next season we are back to two motos and we have 16 races. I prefer this format and the long year will mean that I can afford not to be 100% ready at the start.
Q: Can the fans expect to see you at your home GP this weekend?
MP: I will be coming to Ernee to see the team and support Kevin and my young friend Pascal Leuret. It is hard for me to get around at the moment so I shall be at the track at least one of the two days. I will sign some autographs for the fans and I am sorry that I am not racing for them because I really like Ernee and it is not far from my home.
