Monster Yamaha’s Johann Zarco has his eyes firmly set on the 2018 MotoGP independent title at this weekend’s Valencia finale but will need to beat Danilo Petrucci in order to secure it.

With the expected absence of Cal Crutchlow, Petrucci is the only rider than stands in Zarco’s way but has a four-point deficit to make up on the fast Frenchman.

“With the podium I got in Malaysia I arrive in Valencia with a bright smile on my face and happiness in my head to get another great result. My main target is to be the first independent rider and maybe a little bit more,” said Zarco.

“If I can conclude the season in Valencia on the podium in front of Alex Rins and Danilo Petrucci, would mean I can also be inside the top 5 of the final Championship standings, which could be a very nice target. But first of all, I hope for nice weather and a decent temperature in order to gain confidence on this circuit and I think the Yamaha can work well there.

“With my guys, we found some good things during these overseas races, so we need to make the bike work well again with all we understood and in case we succeed, I’m sure we can have a great weekend. My fingers are crossed to finish this 2018 season as well as possible.”