Damo gets a ride at Motegi

[RB 2 11]

Gets a shot on Capirossi's Ducati - Good Luck Damian.

Pramac - undoubtedly with the support and encouragement of Dorna - have decided to replace the veteran Italian, due to retire at the end of this year for the Motegi round. Australian jack-of-all-trades Damian Cudlin is due to ride the Pramac Ducati at Motegi, taking the place of Capirossi at the Japanese MotoGP round. Though Cudlin's name will be unfamiliar to many casual fans, the Australian has a vast amount of experience in motorcycle racing, having competed in the German IDM championship and the Endurance World Championship for several years. Nor will this be Cudlin's first time on either a Grand Prix bike or a MotoGP machine: Last year, Cudlin substituted for Axel Pons at the Sachsenring, and Cudlin has been heavily involved in the development of the BMW-powered Suter CRT machine for MotoGP next season. That experience should help him adapt to a proper MotoGP prototype, though this year shows that the Ducati is the hardest machine of all to get to grips with.

Damian Cudlin - Pramac Racing Team

"It's hard to put into words what this opportunity means to me. I've dreamed about starting in MotoGP since I was a boy, and until now it's been just that- a dream. Now it's become a reality and to be honest, I'm still in shock! I'm under no illusions about how difficult this race will be. I've never ridden a real MotoGP bike before and I've never been to Motegi either, so realistically my expectations can't be too high. I just want to do the best job I can, enjoy the experience, and just see what happens. I've really got nothing to lose, so why not? I don't know what I've done to deserve this. I still can't believe I'll be replacing Loris Capirossi- I had posters of him on my wall as a kid! I just want to thank Sito Pons for recommending me, the Pramac Racing Team for giving me a chance, and also my current BMW Team for allowing me to use this opportunity. I hope I can make everyone proud that they took a chance with a guy like me."

Currently 4.5sec off the pace, ~15kmh down on top speed

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Good Luck Damo.

[pottz]

oh bugger.
Sad to see, was really hoping he would do well.