Francesco Bagnaia has revealed that he was forced to abandon his pursuit of Marc Marquez during the main race of the 2024 San Marino MotoGP after the effects of his painkillers wore off. The Ducati rider, who had been battling injuries, admitted that he could no longer push to his full potential, ultimately conceding to Marquez.

Bagnaia’s revelation sheds light on the physical toll that MotoGP takes on riders, especially when competing with lingering injuries. Despite starting the race with high hopes of challenging Marquez, the reigning world champion, Bagnaia’s pain became too overwhelming as the race progressed, forcing him to focus on finishing rather than pushing for the win.

In a post-race interview, Bagnaia expressed his frustration, stating: **“I gave it everything I had, but when the painkillers started to wear off, I couldn’t keep up with Marc. I had to prioritize my health and bring the bike home safely.”** 

Fans and fellow riders have commended Bagnaia for his perseverance under tough circumstances, acknowledging the courage it takes to compete at such a high level while managing injuries. Marquez’s victory at San Marino was impressive, but Bagnaia’s determination to finish the race despite his condition also drew respect from the MotoGP community.