Johann Zarco has hailed his third-place finish in the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix as a “fantastic present” for his chances of securing the independent riders' championship and fifth overall.  Zarco launched from pole after inheriting it from eventual race winner Marc Marquez, who was demoted six places after qualifying, and ran inside the podium places for the entirety of the race, only just missing second after a late move from Suzuki's Alex Rins.  The Tech3 rider now moves into top spot in the independent riders' standings on 149 points, one more than the absent Cal Crutchlow – who is expected to miss the finale in Valencia – and five ahead...
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