Zarco, Syahrin keep sights on Independent, Rookie prize

Johann Zarco's fifth place in Thailand was not only his best MotoGP result since Jerez in May, but also put him within five points of top Independent rider Cal Crutchlow (LCR) in the world championship standings.

Crutchlow is sixth overall on 128 points heading into this weekend's Japanese MotoGP, followed by Pramac Ducati's Danilo Petrucci on 126 and Tech3 Yamaha's Zarco on 123.

The Frenchman took a wet pole position at Motegi last year, kick-starting a strong end to the season in which he led all four races.

“Motegi is a very nice track. I got great memories there from the 125cc Category in 2011, the title in 2015 and the pole position last year," said Zarco, who was sixth overall and top Independent rider in his Rookie MotoGP season and will join the factory KTM team in 2019.

"Sometimes I forget that I got the pole there last year. I think if we have dry conditions during the weekend, for me it would be the first time on dry surface with the Yamaha because last year the entire weekend was wet, but anyway, I think I can get some good results there.

"I don’t know if I can be close to the race winner like in Thailand, but after this great Sunday in Buriram I for sure wish to be back up there again. Another top five would be fantastic. Being the first independent rider is anyway the main target, so let’s see.

"The track is good and the circuit of the big manufacturers like Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. There’s always a special atmosphere, also in the paddock. I just look forward to go fast on this circuit.”

While Zarco has his sights set on defending the Independent crown, Thailand gave a boost to team-mate Hafizh Syahrin's chance of winning the Rookie of the Year crown.

The Malaysian gained points on Franco Morbidelli for the first time since the summer break and now trails the Marc VDS Honda rider by five points.

“I can’t wait to arrive in Motegi, Japan, because it’s one of my favourite circuits," Syahrin said. "I hope I can do well. I try to be inside the top 15 again and aim to be the best rookie.

"The team and me, we always work hard and now we’re already a lot closer. The team knows my style and I know the character of the bike a lot better than the last few races. I hope when we arrive there, we are ready to fight from FP1 to race day. I need to have a good position in Qualifying in order to have a good start and try to find a good group to score points.

"A few races I was starting from far behind and it was difficult in the first laps to come closer to the front. Now I try to improve my Qualifying to be in the middle of the field, so I have a better position to start.

"Maybe we can make it into the top 10 for the second time this year, the main goal is to collect some points and be as close to the front as possible.”