WATCH: Franco Morbidelli crashes out amid heavy rainfall at San Marino MotoGP

The San Marino MotoGP is turning out to be one of the most interesting races of recent times. It took a dramatic turn on Lap 7 when Franco Morbidelli suffered a crash at Turn 1, resulting in his early exit from the race. The incident unfolded as the rain, which had been sporadic, began to intensify, making track conditions increasingly treacherous.

Morbidelli, who had been running a competitive race, was forced to abandon his efforts as the rain started to pour down heavily. His crash occurred just as the weather conditions began to worsen, illustrating the challenging circumstances riders were facing. Before the crash, Morbidelli had shown promise, having started from a strong position and even clocking the fastest lap of the race earlier. However, the deteriorating weather conditions proved too difficult to manage.

Here is the video:

Rain is falling heavier 🌧️



And @FrankyMorbido12 is OUT of contention at T1 💥#SanMarinoGP 🇸🇲 pic.twitter.com/GyNwdlDHKm

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) September 8, 2024

The rain's impact on the race was significant, as evidenced by the struggles of other riders. The downpour led to a series of incidents and changes in the race's dynamics. Notably, Pedro Acosta also encountered trouble, crashing at Turn 14 and leaving a considerable amount of gravel on the track.

Marc Marquez leads San Marino GP

As Morbidelli's crash unfolded, the focus shifted to the leaders. Francesco Bagnaia, who had started from pole position, maintained his lead but soon lost to Marc Marquez. Despite the adverse conditions, Marquez managed to extend his lead to 0.8 seconds over Bagnaia, showcasing his adeptness in handling the slippery track.

The race continued with several notable developments. Alex Rins faced challenges of his own, coming in for a bike swap and dropping to the back of the pack. Meanwhile, Bastianini's pace remained strong, closing in on the leaders and keeping the race competitive.

The intense weather conditions, combined with the early crash of Franco Morbidelli, highlighted the unpredictable nature of MotoGP racing. As the rain continued to affect the track, the remaining riders had to navigate the difficult conditions, making for a gripping and challenging race.