I've thought Zarco is the real deal for a while. He's always in there somewhere, pushing hard. He's made a real impression this year and will be one to watch in the future. I thought he seemed devastated at the post race interview last night, and who can blame him? He was so very close until Dani's experience paid off.
Ferret,
this article at footnote 16 says Dani has a contract until the end of 2018.
There'll be an additional race next year: in early October in Thailand.