SWINDON asset Jason Doyle has described his crash in the Melbourne Grand Prix as the worst of his career.

The 30-year-old was taken to hospital after being knocked out in the accident, which occurred during the final at the Etihad Stadium, and broke his seventh cervical vertebrae and a punctured lung.

The Australian suffered a similar injury back in 2012, when he fell in the Premier League Riders’ Championship, but says this one, where he was unconscious on the track for more than five minutes, was worse.

“The last time I broke my neck, I didn’t knock myself out for so long,” Doyle told the Newcastle Herald.

“This one, because I don’t remember it, it really hasn’t sunk in, which is a good thing.

“I don’t want to remember it . . . but it’s definitely the worst crash I’ve had.

“Last time, I crashed then went back to the medical room and started coughing up blood, and that’s the only reason I went to hospital and they found the fracture.

“I saw a quick one (video replay) because they wanted to show me in hospital what actually happened and how I broke my neck, but I don’t really want to watch it.

“I can’t remember going out for the race. I can just remember qualifying for the final, coming back into the pit area and then getting ready.

“I don’t remember from then on until my partner Emily was in the ambulance with me. I lost about 20 minutes of my life.”

Doyle underwent an MRI scan last Wednesday and was told that he did not require surgery but will be in a neck brace for at least four weeks while he recovers.

However, despite the crash, the world number five has not been put off getting back on the bike.

“We all know injuries are part and parcel of motor sport, and just never know what’s going to happen,” Doyle said.

“I got away with this one but I won’t change my lifestyle, I can tell you that.

“I was saying to my family, it could have been one millimetre to the left or right. You never know when you’re time’s up. But you’ve got to think positive about everything in life, and you wouldn’t change it.

“I was certainly very lucky, but I think it just proves that paying a lot of money for good protective equipment, it pays off in the long run.”

Doyle is expected to return to his home in the UK this week and, with the British Speedway Promoters Association’s annual general meeting coming to a close today, is hoping to have his team for next season sorted soon.

“I’m just going to spend a few days here with family in Newcastle then head back to England and sort everything out for next year,” he said.

“It (last season) was very strenuous, and a big strain on me and my partner, Emily, who didn’t see me much, but it was the best season I’ve had.

“Then to finish fifth in the world was something I didn’t think I’d get.

“It was just a shame there was one big crash at the end of the season, but it hasn’t really spoiled it. I’ve really enjoyed it.”